Is the College Experience Vulnerable to Food Insecurity?

Kalysta Addison

This project examines the connections between food insecurity and social bonding to an educational institution, Lander University. It will bring attention to the underlying issue of how the college experience should not promise negative health outcomes nor subjective social status. The issue arises when the sense of belonging is diminished through lack of trust between the university and their students. Food insecurity creates a burden within individuals lives and there should be a strong enough relationship for the students to be vulnerable enough to seek for help. The project seeks to educate the community on what food insecurity is and giving support to all students by accommodating strategies to financial difficulties will enhance coping mechanisms. Universities need to meet the needs of students, because individuals facing food insecurity are less socially tied to a university. Devaluing oneself to a social group and feeling the lack of respect to an institution increases the chances of food insecurity, creating a domino effect. The aim is to end the cycle of food insecurity by creating an environment where students are encouraged to talk about the topic and feel comfortable to ask for help. A supportive university can impact the true meaning of the college experience, diminishing the issue between food insecurity and social bonding to an educational institution.

• Kalysta Addison graduated from Crescent High School in Iva, South Carolina. She is currently a senior at Lander University graduating in December with a degree in sociology. She has diverse experience in public relations growing her passion for social relationships and interactions within society.