Sophia Alvarado
Social Media & Marketing Director
What is food insecurity and why does it exist?
Approximately 48 percent of undergraduate students, as well as 31 percent of graduate students, at UC Santa Barbara (UCSB) are food insecure, meaning that they do not have reliable access to sufficient healthy and affordable food. Examples include worrying about having an insufficient amount of food, having to skip meals, or not having enough money to afford healthy and balanced meals.
Food insecurity is a significant problem for college students and can stem from a combination of factors: rising tuition costs, expensive meal plans, and limited healthy and affordable meal options. These reasons can be caused by income-related factors including a high cost of living in Santa Barbara and limited financial resources.
The U.S. News & World Report states that tuition for UCSB is $15,460 for in-state students and $47,755 for out-of-state students. In comparison, the national average cost for in-state students is $12,201. Santa Barbara and Isla Vista are evidently expensive areas to live in, contributing to the financial difficulties for students.
An article from Movegreen explains that the cost of living in Santa Barbara is 54.7 percent more expensive than the national average. Most of a student’s limited budget is consumed by rent and utilities, especially when housing is prioritized over other necessities, like food. Students have limited budgets because even if they receive financial aid, in some cases, it might not be enough to cover the full cost of attendance and tuition at UCSB.
The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at UCSB explains that the estimated cost of living on campus is $45,200, and for independent students and students in a low income bracket, the most financial aid they can receive is $36,000. This means that there is $9,200 that the student is responsible for.
Due to the high academic standards and demands at UCSB, there is limited time in schedules available for work. Many students don’t have enough time in the day to work the hours needed to cover all expenses, including food with high grocery costs, especially with the pay of a part-time job.
How does food insecurity impact students’ health?
Food insecurity significantly affects a student’s physical and emotional well-being. Consuming less nutritious foods can lead to nutrient deficiencies and a worse overall physical health. An article from the National Institute of Health states that food-insecure students reported a 9 percent lower intake of fewer fruits and vegetables, which leads to deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals. When students are deprived of nutrition, their energy levels fall and it can affect their school performance.
There is a strong academic impact on students who are food insecure. Studies have shown that poor nutrition can impair cognitive function, making it more difficult for students to concentrate in lectures and study efficiently. The sensation of physical hunger increases fatigue and lowers stamina, leaving students with less energy to focus on school and other responsibilities. The study from American Dining Creations emphasizes that “when students go hungry, they lose their ability to focus in class, retain knowledge from studying, complete assignments effectively and perform well during tests.” Additionally, students might need to skip class to work more hours in order to have enough money for food.
Food insecurity heavily affects mental health as well. Students who are food insecure have increased rates of mental health issues relating to stress, anxiety, and depression. Food insecurity brings a constant worry about what and how they will eat, and this stress causes a strain on their mental health.
Resources on campus
Fortunately, UCSB has many resources readily available for students in need. The AS Food Bank is an organization that is actively working to eliminate food insecurity at UCSB. The food bank is dedicated to providing students with free food, toiletries, and produce. It is also an active voice in raising awareness about food issues and offers many services and programs for students.
The Miramar Food Pantry, located in the Sierra Madre Villages, also provides free food and toiletries to qualifying UCSB students. There are two requirements to be a qualifying UCSB student for the Miramar Food Pantry. First, you have to be a current registered UCSB student, graduate or undergraduate. This is verified by bringing your UCSB access card every time you visit the food pantry. When you visit, you will also need to complete a Self-Declaration of Income form that only has to be filled out once every academic year. To use the Miramar Food Pantry, you must make under $17,130 per year.
Another effective resource for anyone who needs aid for groceries is CalFresh. CalFresh is a program that is federally funded, but UCSB’s Basic Needs peer advisors can assist students with applying for CalFresh, which can offer up to $292 per month for groceries.
Ultimately, food insecurity at UCSB is a critical issue that no student should go through. It severely affects a student’s ability to succeed academically and have a healthy mind and body. Addressing food insecurity is essential to ensuring students’ health and success. Spreading awareness about food insecurity educates and supports UCSB students to create a healthier and more equitable learning environment for every student to thrive.