A 2024 survey conducted by Swipe Out Hunger, an Aramark Collegiate Hospitality partner, revealed that more than 770,000 students accessed food support options on the 351 U.S. college and university campuses that participated in the study. This finding highlights the significant need for food security initiatives across higher education institutions, reinforcing the ongoing challenges students face in accessing nutritious meals.
Food Security Options on College Campuses
To combat food insecurity, many campuses have implemented various support systems, including:
- Campus Food Pantries and Essential Needs Hubs: These provide students with free access to non-perishable food, fresh produce, and essential supplies.
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Enrollment and EBT Access: SNAP allows eligible students to purchase groceries using electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards, increasing food accessibility.
- Meal Swipe Donation Programs: Initiatives like Swipe Out Hunger enable students on meal plans to donate extra meal swipes to peers in need.
Aramark Collegiate Hospitality, a key partner in these initiatives, hosted Swipe Out Hunger’s board meeting in September 2024 and participated in a panel discussion on addressing basic needs related to food insecurity. Through its collaborations, Aramark supports institutions in implementing comprehensive food security strategies.
Strategies for Tackling Food Insecurity
“We offer comprehensive solutions to tackle food insecurity on campuses across the U.S.,” said Deb Parnigoni, Vice President of Marketing at Aramark Collegiate Hospitality. “Our Food Insecurity Toolkit empowers operators to facilitate surplus food donations, apply for SNAP benefits on behalf of our client partners, implement meal plan donation programs, and support on-campus food pantries.”
In fiscal year 2024, Aramark Collegiate Hospitality donated over 73,000 pounds of food to student pantries at client campuses, equating to nearly $135,000 in value. Additionally, the company contributed nearly 325,000 pounds of food to broader campus communities, benefiting children and families facing food insecurity.
Campus Spotlights: Effective Food Security Programs
University of California, Irvine
The Aramark Collegiate Hospitality team donates $100,000 annually in meal swipes to UCI’s Basic Needs Center and supports the Zot Out Hunger program, which allows students to donate up to 5,000 meal swipes each year. To further enhance food accessibility, SNAP/EBT benefits are accepted at Zot N Go Market and Zot N Go Express Social Sciences, two of the largest convenience stores on campus. Additionally, Aramark helps subsidize meals at four campus childcare centers, assisting student-parents in managing food costs.
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
At UNLV, students donated over 2,800 meal swipes in the past year, with Aramark matching each contribution. The team has also facilitated the donation of nearly 3,000 pounds of food from catering services and student support events, such as “Take What You Need.” In 2024 alone, 2,600 pounds of food were donated to the UNLV Food Pantry, helping students and staff facing food insecurity. The university also accepts SNAP benefits at its on-campus convenience store, ensuring broader access to nutritious meals.
Eastern Kentucky University
Last year, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) became the first university in Kentucky to accept SNAP benefits on campus. Now, students, faculty, staff, and community members can use SNAP benefits at one of the campus’ Provisions on Demand (POD) Markets, which stocks essential grocery items, including fresh produce and dairy products. This milestone is a crucial step in making food more accessible to students who struggle with food security.
Expanding Access to SNAP Assistance
Beyond direct food donations, Aramark Collegiate Hospitality works with 27 campuses (30 convenience stores) to facilitate SNAP assistance, making it easier for students to apply for and use benefits. In addition to operational support, Aramark advocates for legislative and regulatory changes that improve students’ ability to access food security resources.
The Impact of Food Insecurity on Student Well-Being
Research shows that food insecurity among college students can result in several negative outcomes, including:
- Increased Stress and Anxiety: Worrying about where their next meal will come from can significantly impact students’ mental health.
- Depression and Poor Sleep Quality: Lack of access to nutritious food has been linked to mental health struggles and inadequate sleep.
- Difficulty Concentrating and Lower Academic Performance: Hunger can lead to decreased focus and lower grade point averages, ultimately affecting students’ academic success and graduation rates.
Addressing Hunger as a Collective Responsibility
Higher education institutions, in collaboration with partners like Aramark Collegiate Hospitality, continue to expand their efforts to ensure that no student goes hungry. Whether through meal swipe donations, food pantry support, or SNAP enrollment assistance, these initiatives play a vital role in fostering a healthier and more successful student population.
As more universities recognize the importance of food security, these programs are expected to grow, helping students focus on their education rather than worrying about their next meal. The fight against hunger on college campuses is far from over, but with continued support and innovative solutions, significant strides are being made to address this critical issue.
