A survey was sent out to all Western Illinois University students last week called the “Food Pantry Needs Assessment Survey” in order to better understand if, and how badly, students need a campus food pantry here at WIU- QC. The development of a food pantry here on campus is not an isolated incident but rather part of a nationwide movement. Campus food pantries are popping up all over the country. This is in response to a growing body of research showing a widespread need for campus food pantries nationally. It’s becoming clear, students need help, and campus food pantries are stepping up to help fill student’s needs.

Currently there are over 300 campus food pantries in the United States. A survey in Wisconsin in 2008 found that 71% of low income students had changed their food buying habits because of lack of money. Another survey of 4300 community college students in 7 different states found that 1 in 5 had gone hungry in the past month due to lack of money. In that same study researchers found that 13% of those surveyed stated that they had experienced some form of homelessness in the past year. Food insecurity is a major problem in the United States, and it is something that we can all work together to limit in the future.

The purpose of this survey is to address that topic and to identify a possibly need, or lack of need here at WIU-QC. The survey that was sent out is only 11 questions long, and will take 5 minutes or less. It would make a difference if you took 5 minutes out of your day to complete our survey and to help us figure out if there is in fact a glaring need or not.
If you are interested in taking the survey it was sent to your wiu.edu email last week. If you have any questions or concerns feel free to email me at dm-dankert@wiu.edu or drop by my office in room 2414.