Help fight food insecurity on campus during Hunger Action Month

By Megan Bradshaw on September 26, 2016

September is National Hunger Action Month in the United States, where an estimated 48 million people experience hunger on a daily basis. The extent of food insecurity on college campuses has only recently been acknowledged, but there are students in need at Towson University. 

That’s why the TU Food Insecurity Support Fund and TU’s FoodShare were created.

Food insecurity is defined by the United States Department of Agriculture as a state in which "consistent access to adequate food is limited by a lack of money and other resources at times during the year."

The TU Food Insecurity Support Fund provides immediate financial assistance to TU students who are deemed to have food insecurities. To protect the students’ anonymity, the funds are simply electronically deposited to their OneCards when they have demonstrated need. As soon as the funds are deposited, they can purchase a meal at one of TU's dining halls. 

Gifts to the TU Food Insecurity Support Fund ensure that students have access to food and that no student has to choose between education and eating. 

Another initiative, FoodShare was created to address the needs of students, faculty, and staff who are experiencing food insecurity. In collaboration with the Catholic Campus Ministry, The Table: a Lutheran Episcopal ministry, the Office of Sustainability and the Division of Student Affairs, FoodShare is open on Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon and Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. It is located at the Newman Center adjacent to campus at 7909 York Road. Visitors need only to provide TU ID and fill out an intake form. TU students, faculty, and staff will be able to receive 10 items per week during the semester when Towson University is in session. 

If you would like to join or donate to FoodShare, or to apply for food insecurity funds, please contact Christina Olstad at 410-704-3921 or by email.