https://www.cbsnews.com/news/college-students-food-insecurity-pantry-uc-davis/
There are close to 800 food pantries on college campuses across the U.S., up from only 80 a decade ago.
I don’t know how anyone who does not come from a wealthy background in the USA can afford college. Tuition and rent are both 5-10X the cost while pay is only 2X from 20-30 years ago. I can’t even afford to buy my own house if I had to do it today.
My university estimated that around 2000-3000 of our students were living in non-residence locations ( cars mostly).
I almost had to do the same, but was able to live rent free with my SO, otherwise there is no way I could have completed my degree
See they ran this joke where the students who waste the most amount of their time on curating an application where you appear as a class A suckup along with high scores on an exam that doesn't measure anything useful means you get some of the precious scholarship money that will still not prevent you from gaining student debt.
Luckily, the cheat code is community college or trade school.
As a university graduate, I approve this message. Trade schools are underrated and seem to be almost demonized in many places (my public school, for instance). They should be promoted more heavily
It was bad when I was in college in 2012. Me and a roommate had to steal near the end of the semester because we couldn't afford food. Both hovering around lower mid to middle class so it's not like we were constantly living in poverty. Plus being students limited our access to certain government assistance (also lack of knowledge of them) and finding work in a college town is next to impossible when you've got 25 to 30000 grad and post grad students to compete with even for a McDonald's job.
I can't imagine how bad it is now
Well, as a community college student living with his parents, I get government financial aid that has so far been able to cover tuition. So, I am lucky so far. Worst I've had happen is not getting financial aid last fall quarter because I didn't update an address on the financial aid disbursement platform the college uses (and not having it set to just go straight into my bank account instead of coming by snail mail).
You are especially lucky that you choose to and got admitted to a college that you could get to but still live with your parents. Which is mostly only something people fortunate enough to live in a town or city with colleges or universities can do.
Small town in Montana? You're fucked.
If you are struggling for food, do not be afraid to ask for a little help. There are food pantries (almost) everywhere. I'm talking about the US.
Ask the library in your neighborhood. Ask a church near you, even if your not religious. If they don't provide support they will know who can.
It's nothing to be ashamed of. You need to eat. And no one except other people that have needed support even knows what's going on if they see you lugging home pantry food.
If you need help, ask for it. People are happy to help you if you step up and just say hey I need a little help this month. If you know you need food, get it.
Also, look into Food Sense. It's a great deal.
I volunteer at a food bank, and we just had to send a lot of food to the panty on the campus in town.