Husson University’s Food, Resource and Hygiene Product Pantry Fights Food Insecurity and Other Issues Affecting Students

Published on: April 26, 2023

On Thursday, April 27, 2023, from 10 am to noon, Husson University will be sponsoring a food, resource and hygiene product pantry in the D. Bruce MacGregor Sports Hall of Fame Room in the William P. Newman Athletic Facility, also known as the Newman Gymnasium building. The event is free and open to anyone in the Husson University campus community who needs assistance. 

Students and others who need food, hygiene supplies or other resources are welcome to attend and take as much or as little as they need. There is no charge to anyone who utilizes this pantry. Individuals who need emergency assistance are also welcome to visit the Student Life office in Peabody Hall, Room 102, at any time. Food insecurity is defined as the state of being without reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.

Starting on April 27, 2023, portions of this pantry initiative will be supported by a grant from Sodexo, an organization that provides catering, facilities management, employee benefits and personal home services to 100 million consumers daily in 53 countries. This initiative is also connected to Youth Service America, (YSA) a global nonprofit that activates young people, ages 5-25, to help solve problems facing their communities. YSA supports its activation campaigns with grants, training and resources, and recognition programs for young people and their adult champions.

In 2017–2018, the University of Maine Cooperative Extension and the Maine Campus Compact conducted a statewide analysis to assess the extent and effects of food and housing insecurity among college students in our state.[1] Twenty-six higher education institutions, including community colleges, private and public four-year colleges and universities from Maine, participated in this research.[2]

In 2021, a study called “Food Insecurity in Maine Higher Education,” authored by Husson University and University of Maine faculty members, as well as members of the Maine  Campus Compact, released their findings. The findings were based on 1,704 completed surveys from 24 campuses.[3]

According to the study over 30 percent of Maine students have experienced moderate or severe food insecurity at some point during their time in college.[4]

In December 2020, Inside Higher Ed published a study showing similar overall rates. According to this publication, nearly one-third of students said they had experienced food insecurity since the start of the pandemic (Anderson 2020).[5] Students in that study noted that food insecurity affected their ability to study.[6] Over 50% indicated that they had accessed an off-campus food bank.[7] 

Anyone interested in supporting Husson University’s Food Insecurity and Emergency Fund, can make an online donation at https://www.husson.edu/alumni/giving/foodinsecurity.

The Food Insecurity and Emergency Fund was originally established in 2019 by an anonymous donor after identifying a growing need on campus. In 2020, the Fund was broadened to also support emergency needs such as prescription medications, automobile repairs, or any unforeseen need that improves the health and well-being of Husson students.

For nearly 125 years, Husson University has shown its adaptability and strength in delivering educational programs that prepare future leaders to handle the challenges of tomorrow through innovative undergraduate and graduate degrees. With a commitment to delivering affordable classroom, online and experiential learning opportunities, Husson University has come to represent a superior value in higher education. The hallmarks of a Husson education include advanced knowledge delivered through quality educational programs in business; health; education; pharmacy studies; science and humanities; as well as communication. According to an analysis of tuition and fees by U.S. News & World Report, Husson University is one of the most affordable private colleges in New England. For more information about educational opportunities that can lead to personal and professional success, visit Husson.edu.

[1] Maine Policy Review, “Food Insecurity in Maine Higher Education,” 2021, page 20, https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1879&context=mpr, Accessed: 3/29/2023.

[2] Ibid

[3] Ibid

[4] Maine Policy Review, “Food Insecurity in Maine Higher Education,” 2021, page 28, https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1879&context=mpr, Accessed: 3/29/2023.

[5] Ibid

[6] Ibid

[7] Ibid