By Dr. Queena Hoang

March is National Nutrition Month, a time to highlight healthy eating’s critical role in our lives. For college students, nutrition isn’t just sustenance—it fuels the mind for academic success and bodily well-being. Food insecurity—defined as limited or uncertain access to adequate food—plagues many college students. It makes nutritious meals harder to access. A new study by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research (CHPR) found:

• 50% of surveyed California college students experienced food insecurity, including 28% who skipped meals due to cost.
• Over 70% of students at California community colleges reported food insecurity, followed by >50% of Cal State students and 42% of UC students.
• Among food-insecure students who heard of CalFresh but never used it, the main reasons were believing they were ineligible (50.3%), not knowing how to apply (27.8%), and lacking time to apply (14.4%).

Food Insecurity on College Campuses

Not only during National Nutrition Month but also throughout the year, food insecurity—the lack of consistent access to healthy foods—has impacted college campuses for years. Recently it has worsened due to rising prices. Good nutrition may be affordable for some, but healthy choices come at a hefty price for others. UCLA also found that hunger and food insecurity are significantly higher among college students (44%) than U.S. households (13%). Stress over not knowing where their next meal will come from can lead to poor academic performance. It can also cause increased mental health issues, and the tough choice between food and a college degree. Without proper nutrition, students struggle to concentrate, retain information, and sustain the energy to succeed. 

The Importance of SNAP Benefits

CalFresh, California’s version of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), plays a crucial role in addressing food insecurity. It provides monthly electronic benefits to low-income households to purchase food. CalFresh benefits help students buy fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other essentials for a balanced diet. By easing grocery expenses, CalFresh enables students to focus on their studies instead of their next meal.

California has worked to help more eligible students receive CalFresh, such as by funding Basic Needs Centers for sign-up. However, efforts are hampered by a lack of understanding about eligibility and participation. Researchers from the California Policy Lab found that among students who were estimated to be eligible for CalFresh benefits, 26% of community college students received CalFresh benefits in the Fall of 2019. That is compared to 22% of UC undergraduate students and 27% of UC graduate students. This means about 100,600 students received CalFresh benefits, while an estimated 297,400 eligible students missed out on benefits, based on the California Policy Lab’s research. 

Advocacy and Awareness

In the last few years, California has provided funding for county human services agency liaisons to increase campus-county collaboration (Assembly Bill 1326). The state has also required colleges to provide information on CalFresh as part of their new student orientation (AB 543). Additionally, there is a mandate for a uniform template for colleges to use to notify students of their eligibility for CalFresh (SB 20). The state has also funded basic needs centers at community colleges (SB 129) and expanded the set of programs that count toward the “local programs to increase employability” exemption (AB 396), as the California Policy Labs reported. 

Despite the benefits and efforts, many eligible students remain unaware of CalFresh or hesitant to apply due to stigma or the belief that others are more in need. Higher education and community organizations can raise awareness, simplifying the application process, and advocate for policies that expand eligibility. Campus food pantries, nutrition workshops, and peer support programs can complement CalFresh benefits, creating a holistic approach to food insecurity.

This National Nutrition Month, let’s commit to ensuring all students have access to the nutrition they need to succeed. Supporting CalFresh and other food security initiatives invests in the future of our communities—one well-nourished mind at a time.

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About Michelson 20MM

Michelson 20MM is a private, nonprofit foundation working toward equity for underserved and historically underrepresented communities by expanding access to educational and employment opportunities, increasing affordability of educational programs, and ensuring the necessary supports are in place for individuals to thrive. To do so, we work in the following verticals: Digital Equity, Intellectual Property, Smart Justice, Student Basic Needs, and Open Educational Resources (OER). Co-chaired and funded by Alya and Gary Michelson, Michelson 20MM is part of the Michelson Philanthropies network of foundations.

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