Food insecurity continues to increase on college campuses across the country. College is often seen as a time for individuals to grow and become adults, but the reality is that a significant number are balancing classes with work, personal responsibilities, and limited financial resources.
Approximately 23% of college students experience food insecurity, meaning they don’t always have reliable access to enough nutritious food. Food insecurity doesn’t just affect students’ physical health—it directly impacts academic success.
Students who are food insecure are more likely to:
- Miss classes or have difficulty concentrating
- Experience higher levels of stress and anxiety
- See lower grades
- Delay or abandon completing their degree
However, many students hesitate to ask for food assistance. On-campus food pantries play a critical role in closing this gap by providing convenient, judgment-free access to food where students already are.
In 2025, South Michigan Food Bank and Jackson College partnered through a grant from Feeding America to expand Jackson College’s food pantry, Harriet’s Hub.
The expansion included new refrigeration for fresh food, dairy, and protein options, as well as refrigerated lockers, facility updates, and more shelving to offer a wider variety of food options for students.
Maddy, the Student Life Coordinator at Jackson College, shared: “Many students noted how the new updates that allow for more options have allowed them to make dinners for their families, meal prep for the week, and feel like they have options for healthy, quality foods.”
SMFB is proud to partner with Jackson College and Feeding America to better serve our neighbors and invest in the growth of campus pantries. Thank you to our partners for making this possible!
