HIGHER COLLEGE COSTS LEAD STUDENTS TO FOOD PANTRIES

In the past five years, college tuition has increased 27% at public colleges and 14% at private schools, according to the College Board. The number of food pantries on campuses, run by colleges and student groups, has also increased, in order to keep students from having to choose between eating or paying the increasing prices for books, housing and other necessities. The College and University Food Bank Alliance currently represents about 50 college food banks and there could be 50 more that are not members of the organization. Clare Cady, head of the Oregon State University food bank, said the recipients vary from undergraduate students who have opted for cheaper meal plans that give students fewer dining options to people dealing with unexpected economic hardships to students raising children while struggling to pay tuition.

 

Source: Huffington Post, 3/15/14, College Food Banks