The Food Fighters have researched student food insecurity from early 2015 until 2017. In the Spring of 2016, they conducted a study that collected almost 800 complete student responses across campus to better understand students’ food situation and the role that a “reflection-module” (a set of six questions about food) could play in prompting those in-need to seek assistance. They submitted a White Paper to the Georgia Tech administration and are currently working on making our recommendations a reality on Georgia Tech’s campus.
The problem:
Based on the results of our online study:
- 10% of Tech students self-identify as needing food assistance
- 14% said that they relied on or sought out events with free food on campus.
- 16% prioritize working at their job over academics and extracurriculars.
Currently, Georgia Tech offers resources to help those who might be in need, including Klemis Kitchen (an on-campus food pantry), Campus Closet (which lends professional clothing), the Hip Pocket Fund (interest-free emergency loans), and temporary housing assistance. While this assistance is comprehensive, there still remains a gap between GT resources and students who need to use them.
Their approach:
Sparking Institutional Change
- Conducted a campus-wide study in Spring 2016
- Analyzed and shared results with key stakeholders
- Developed white paper with background and recommendations
Contributing to the National Movement
- Conducted a workshop on “Addressing College Food Insecurity” at the International Food Studies Conference in UC Berkeley
- Connecting with other institutions and professional in the field to learn and discuss best practices
