Elwood's Cabinet

Mission Statement:

We believe that hunger is a real thing on our campus and are working to make sure that no students have to choose between food and the other necessities of life. We strive to get food into the hands of the students who need it- no judgment and no questions asked.

Why is there a need?

Enrollment patterns reveal that the perception of a "typical" college student—aged 18-22 and supported financially by their family—is becoming outdated. What has historically been labeled as “non-traditional” is now representative of the average college student. Many students today juggle full-time jobs and family responsibilities while pursuing their education. As a result, they often face food insecurity, with some living just one missed paycheck away from hunger. The rising cost of college, coupled with stagnant or declining wages for most workers, has also left many so-called "traditional" students with reduced support from home. These students, too, are vulnerable to food insecurity. Food insecurity is a pervasive issue that transcends demographics, enrollment statuses, and geographic locations. For countless students, empty cupboards and scraping by have become a way of life—an experience that profoundly impacts their academic success, including learning outcomes, grades, graduation rates, and time to degree completion. Addressing food insecurity on campus is more than a matter of compassion; it is essential to meeting both human service and educational needs. By ensuring students have access to the resources they need, institutions can create an environment where all students can thrive.

For more information please check out Swipe Out Hunger