Alexander Lu & Ella Wilkinson

Tackling Food Insecurity and Health Inequities at Cornell University: A Case Study of Anabel's Grocery, a Student-Run Nonprofit

Introduction:

Food insecurity describes the lack of reliable access to sufficient, affordable, and nutritious food. It disproportionately affects individuals facing economic hardship or dietary restrictions due to health, cultural, or religious reasons. Despite Cornell’s resources, food insecurity still remains a persistent challenge. In 2021, 29.1% of undergraduates reported lacking money to buy food, and 44.1% cited transportation barriers to off-campus grocery stores. Many students resort to cheap, processed foods, contributing to stress, poor academic performance, and long-term health risks.

With no affordable grocery stores within walking distance, access is especially limited for students. Anabel’s Grocery opened in 2017 to directly address these barriers as a student-run, nonprofit store dedicated to increasing food access on campus. It offers affordable, locally sourced groceries, and is the only on-campus location that accepts SNAP EBT benefits. Anabel’s is more than just a store: it’s part of a for-credit course, where students work hands-on in operations, outreach, and education. Anabel’s values are in equity and dignity, creating an inclusive space where all students can shop for nutritious and high quality food. 

Methods:

Anabel’s Grocery operates as a non-profit grocery store that provides affordable, locally sourced food on campus. This study evaluated customer surveys and purchasing data to assess Anabel’s impact on affordability, access, and equity, exploring how student-led initiatives advance food justice.

Results and discussion:

Student feedback reflected five recurring themes: improved overall health, affordability, increased food access, convenience, and a strong sense of community. While food insecurity continues to disproportionately affect marginalized students, Anabel’s Grocery demonstrates how a student-led social enterprise can help address systemic gaps in food access and equity. Anabel’s promotes dignified access to nutritious food, ensuring that all students—regardless of income, religion, or race—can make healthy choices without stigma.