Why Pitchfork Pantry Deserves Your Support: A Letter to the Editor – The Arizona State Press

As an ASU alum who once relied on the Pitchfork Pantry, I want to share my experience with food insecurity. The pantry is more than just a food source; it’s a lifeline for many students. I hope ASU increases its support for this crucial resource.

When I transferred to ASU in spring 2021, the transition was tough. I had just come back to in-person classes after the COVID-19 pandemic, and my financial aid was delayed. I struggled to pay tuition, rent, and buy food. My emergency grant of $500 barely covered my essential needs, and I was forced to prioritize rent over groceries.

If you haven’t experienced food insecurity, it’s hard to grasp how isolating it can feel. You find yourself counting calories and cents, trying to stretch every meal. It’s exhausting. Sadly, studies show that food insecurity can lead to an increase in eating disorders, as noted in a 2020 review published by the National Library of Medicine.

During that difficult semester, my meals came from friends and Pitchfork Pantry. I remember standing in line, carrying bags filled with canned goods. It felt odd to be grateful and guilty at the same time. I often thought about other students—parents, immigrants, those without stable homes. Their challenges seemed even greater.

The reality of hunger is harsh. You can’t wait for help when your stomach is empty. University bureaucracy can be slow, but students need assistance now. Removing support for vital resources like the Pitchfork Pantry would be a significant mistake for ASU.

Eventually, I received my financial aid late in the semester, allowing me to eat without relying on others. But the anxiety lingered. Even after graduating, I still struggled with my relationship with food, partially due to that experience. According to a recent survey from the Hope Center for College, nearly 41% of college students face food insecurity today. This underscores the growing need for resources like the Pitchfork Pantry in universities.

My story is just one of many, but it highlights how essential the Pitchfork Pantry is to students facing tough times. ASU’s support can make a real difference in the lives of those in need.

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