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In a concerning development, recent data from the Hope Center for Student Basic Needs at Temple University reveals that around 41% of college students across 91 U.S. institutions experienced food insecurity during the 2023-24 academic year Source 1. This alarming statistic underscores the need for universities to address this issue, and Park University is no exception.
Addressing food insecurity among its students, Park University has opened a food pantry called the Pirate Pantry. The pantry, located inside the Intramural and Recreational Fieldhouse on the Parkville Campus, is open to any Park University student and is operated by volunteers, primarily graduate students in Park's Master of Social Work program. Donations of nonperishable food and personal hygiene items are welcome, and can be placed in the donation bin outside the Pirate Pantry space, dropped off in the Pirate Pantry on Tuesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., or e-mailed to pantry@our website for large volume donations Source 2.
Universities are responding to this issue in various ways, including establishing free on-campus food pantries. Park University's Pirate Pantry is organized in alignment with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's ChooseMyPlate.gov, with nonperishable food items categorized into proteins, grains, fruits, and vegetables.
In addition to food pantries, universities are implementing educational programs to improve food skills and nutritional knowledge. For instance, courses like culinary medicine classes have been shown to improve students’ nutritional intake and food literacy, potentially mitigating some effects of food insecurity Source 3.
Food insecurity is also recognized among specific student populations such as student-athletes, where prevalence rates vary widely (around 10% to 65%). Addressing their needs often requires systemic changes at the athletic department and university policy levels rather than only individual-focused efforts Source 4.
While universities are making strides in addressing food insecurity, ongoing challenges remain due to funding restrictions (e.g., changes to SNAP) and stigma associated with seeking food assistance.
Apart from the Pirate Pantry, Park University has been recognised for its achievements in other areas. Glenn Lester, assistant professor of English, published a short story in the literary journal, Barrelhouse. Nada Meawad, women's volleyball player, was awarded Female Athlete of the Year. Nicholas Rotich, men's track and field athlete, was awarded Male Athlete of the Year. Steve Bell, Ph.D., J.D., professor of economics, was interviewed for stories that aired on KMBZ-FM in Kansas City on Oct. 8 related to news that some national retailers announced plans to raise their minimum wage to $15 per hour Source 5.
For those interested in continuing their education, Park University's Office of Continuing Education is offering a pair of five-week online certificate courses starting the week of Nov. 5. The digital forensics certificate course, Identification, Collection and Preservation of Digital Forensic Evidence, introduces techniques and provides practical examples and activities. Registration for each course is $749. The deadline to register and to complete payment is Thursday, Nov. 1 Source 6.
In recognition of their achievements, the Don Breckon Award was presented to Park University President Greg Gunderson, Ph.D. Steve Wilson, director of athletics and men's/women's golf head coach at Park University's Gilbert (Ariz.) Campus, received the Appreciation Award for Service. Sarah Hopkins-Chery, '07, '09, who was recognized by the Merced (Calif.) Sun-Star as a 2018 "20 Under 40" honoree during an event on Oct. 3, was featured in the newspaper on Oct. 4. Hopkins-Chery is the women's basketball head coach at the University of California, Merced Source 7.
For more information about the Pirate Pantry and donation options, visit our website/our website-pantry. To register or for more information about the online certificate courses, visit our website/academics/continuing-education/ or contact Wakisha Briggs, director of continuing education, at wakisha.briggs@our website / (816) 584-6859.
In summary, food insecurity affects a large share of U.S. college students, and universities are responding with strategies including food pantries, educational programs to improve food skills, and policy initiatives tailored for vulnerable subgroups like student-athletes. However, ongoing challenges remain due to funding restrictions and stigma associated with seeking food assistance. Park University is actively addressing this issue with the Pirate Pantry, and other initiatives to support its students.
- Universities, including Park University, are implementing various solutions to tackle food insecurity, such as establishing food pantries like the Pirate Pantry, offering educational programs in culinary medicine to improve food skills and nutritional knowledge, and implementing policy initiatives for vulnerable student groups like student-athletes.
- To complement these efforts, Park University's Office of Continuing Education offers online certificate courses geared towards education and self-development, such as the digital forensics certificate course, which can be a valuable resource for those seeking to expand their lifestyle knowledge base after graduation.
