College students struggle everyday with deciding what to put on their plate to eat. There are unlimited amounts of unhealthy foods, but a limited amount of healthy foods at college dining halls. There are grocery stores and gas stations nearby that offer students more options in regards to buying healthier foods, but many students do not want to spend the money or simply do not have the money to spend on extra food purchases. This creates conflict for college students who, in the past, had healthier food choices available to them while living at home. Without the availability or the resources to purchase healthier foods, college students can then develop food insecurities.

According to a Fox News report published earlier this year, food insecurity is referred to as the “limited availability of adequate foods.” Adequate, in this case, meaning affordable and healthier food.

The article talks about a study from Western Oregon University that was done on food insecurity and how it seems to be on the rise for college students. Researchers who did the study on food insecurity said that, “they suspect the high cost of college attendance is partially to blame because students may have less money to put towards quality food.”  Researchers in the article felt that the lack of healthy food options could end up having a lasting effects on a student’s cognitive, academic and psychosocial development.

At UW-La Crosse, students have to pay a certain amount of for their meal plans. There are other places around campus that students can use their campus cash to buy other foods. With the limited amount of healthy foods, students may not want to use their own money to buy extra food when they are already spending a lot of money for food on campus.

Though study was only done at one college, the researchers believed that this problem affects college students nationwide, and with the possibility of this rising crisis, colleges need to take steps to resolve these issues.

Daniel López-Cevallos, associate director of research at Oregon State University, stated that, “In my experience, the more common solution has been to provide food pantry systems. I think these systems are a good source of support for students.”

On-campus farmer’s markets are an idea also brought up in the article. Currently, UW-L hosts a farmer’s market outside at Wittich Field on Mondays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The market offers students the ability to purchase affordable fruits and vegetables. UW-L also offers a food pantry called Smart Connections inside Whitney Dining Center and a food pantry located in Cartwright Center room 221.

Campus Dietitian Lisa Kobs said, “It would be very interesting to know if this campus is food insecure. We are very aware that students need to pay for their college, so they may not be in the most financially stable positon. Also, food service does take into account that students say they would like healthier foods.”

López-Cevallos ended the article stating that, “It’s important to come back to the table with students and universities to consider what type of stability we can provide to students.”

UW-L does offer a variety of healthier options, it just seems to be an issue of wanting to eat the healthier foods, provided or not.