By Victoria Cruz
Contributor
Food table provided by the Sociology department at the university in Engleman Hall on March 5.
Students cannot learn when they are hungry. The Sociology department here at the university has recognized these barriers and in response created a ‘food table’ in their department office.
This program was spearheaded by associate professor of sociology and criminology Venezia Michalsen and department secretary Kathryn Willette.
“I have students coming into my class and they are hungry, you can’t learn when you are hungry,” Michaelsen said. “You can’t learn when you are wondering when you are going to eat next.”
Together they started this initiative using excess department funds this past fall.
Since then, they applied for a DEI Social Justice Grant and received an external partnership to expand and continue the program.
The table includes snacks, quick meals and personal care items available to all students with no restrictions.
Food insecurity continues to be a critical issue for college students.
According to data collected through the optional QR code survey available at the table, 66% of students who visited reported eating less than they felt they should have in the past month due to financial limitations.
“Food insecurity is a real thing; people are scared and tired and hungry. All I care about is learning in the classroom and you can’t do that without basic needs being met,” Michalsen said.
The food table offers a different experience to the food pantry on campus. The food table offers convenience as any student can come when needed and many come every day.
“I think the experience for students is different. I think it is a different mental experience, there is intention with the food pantry, here students can just come in and grab something,” Willette said.
Beyond just providing food, the department is creating a welcoming environment for students to gather, study and recharge in the space. Redesigning their office to be an accessible place where students feel at home.
“We have this comfortable space and we make an effort to curate it so students feel they have a home to go to,” Michalsen said.
Faculty has seen improvements in student well-being after creating this third space.
