FLORENCE – The University of North Alabama is part of a 10-university coalition tasked with addressing student hunger on college campuses. Each university is collecting data and creating campus-based groups designed to make food options more available and inclusive.
Bethany Green, the Assistant Director for Leadership and Volunteerism at UNA, said there are more than 200 visits by students to the pantry throughout a semester.
Bethany Green
“Whether that need is consistent or just a one-time situation, the fact that we’re able to provide a much-needed resource is so important,” she said. “There is no doubt that the need for food assistance is great, and it only continues to increase. Addressing food insecurity is a major part of contributing to the well-being of their lives as college students and as individuals.”
At UNA, the number of students who face food insecurity has been steadily increasing, according to Holly Underwood, the University Case Manager.
“Food insecurity impacts a student’s ability to focus in the classroom and to complete requirements for class,” she said. “Students can become increasingly worried and consumed by efforts to secure basic needs on a daily basis. Our ability to provide resources for food and other basic needs ensures that our students are given the full opportunity to the college experience and the ability to be successful both in and out of the classroom.”
Other Alabama universities participating in Alabama Campus Coalition include: Alabama A&M
University, Alabama State University, Auburn University, Jacksonville State University, Troy
University, Tuskegee University, the University of Alabama, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and the University of South Alabama. Data collected on each of these campuses will be compiled to formulate a plan to alleviate hunger among college students statewide.
To donate to the UNA food pantry, log on to www.una.edu/foodpantry.
Media Release/Michelle Eubanks
Interim Associate Director
University Communications & Marketing
UNA
