As we approach a season of over-indulgence when it comes to food, there are many who struggle to keep their cabinets full with basic necessities to maintain a healthy diet.

According to a survey by the emergency food services network, 30.5 percent of students reported they were forced to choose between food and educational expenses in 2017.

The University of Wisconsin’s Harvesting Opportunities for Postsecondary Education (HOPE) Lab conducted a multi-state survey in 2017 of more than 33,000 students enrolled at 70 colleges, which  found that as many as two thirds of students were food insecure. This ratio is higher than the 12.3 percent rate for the general American population.

According to clasp.org, even meal plans for campus dining halls may not be an effective prevention, as up to 43 percent of meal plan enrollees at four-year colleges report experiencing food insecurity. Campus meal plans are structured to provide students with seven or 14 meals per week. 

Clasp.com also cited that many low-income students get their meals elsewhere because they lack funds to afford a comprehensive meal plan option. Students who opt for cheaper meal plans may not be eating an adequate number of meals, as 46 percent of food insecure students report running out of meal points before the end of the term compared to 33 percent of all students on a meal plan.

According to suntopia.org, there are 86 food pantries in the Oswego area. However, it can be very difficult for students who do not have their own vehicles to get to off campus locations to meet their nutritional needs.

Oswego State is working to combat this food insecurity through programs such as Students Helping Oz Peers (SHOP), an on-campus food pantry which was opened in room three in the basement of Penfield Library in October 2016. SHOP provides both on and off campus students a more central and convenient location where they can anonymously get the food they may not otherwise be able to afford.

SHOP provides not only food, but also clothing, such as jackets and winter necessities. It also provides educational programs and awareness and support for those suffering from food insecurity. SHOP is aimed at connecting people to the resources they need, both on and off campus.

Ariel Gutman-Gates, a junior at Oswego State, became the student coordinator for SHOP this past fall. Gutman-Gates is proud of the increased SHOP usage he has seen as more students and community members in need become more aware of the services SHOP offers.

“When SHOP was first opened, it was averaging around 60 people a year, and currently, we have almost 80 people using our services,” Gutman-Gates said. “I do not believe that the demand has increased, but that awareness of SHOP and the services we provide has increased.”

While SHOP is an on-campus solution aimed mostly at providing the help students need, the doors and supplies are open to all in need who ask.

“SHOP offers its services to anyone who needs it. We primarily service students but will not turn away anyone,” Gutman-Gates said.

As the holiday season approaches, SHOP, like many other neighboring foodbanks, often see an increase in patronage.

“We [SHOP] see utilization increase right before a break and at the end of a semesters when swipes into the dining hall are running low and so are funds for food,” Gutman-Gates said.

While SHOP is aimed at helping those in need, that does not mean that other students cannot get involved with the organization. SHOP is always open to volunteers to help staff. Students and community members are also encouraged to donate whenever possible citing the common idiom that “every little bit helps.”

“For donating, we accept most all non-perishable goods such as canned goods, chips, pasta, mac and cheese and things of that nature,” Gutman-Gates said.

While SHOP is mainly known as being a food bank, Gutman-Gates wants to remind students and community members that they also accept other basic necessities as donations.

“[SHOP], also accept[s] hygiene products such as sanitary pads, tampons, deodorant, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner and things like that,” Gutman-Gates said. “We provide all of these items free of charge to anyone who needs them.”

As Thanksgiving break approaches and winter recess follows shortly after, Gutman-Gates wants to remind people that if they are in need, there are resources available for them.

“Anyone who needs to use our services can come during our open hours when volunteers are there to help their peers,” Gutman-Gates said.

Photo by Samantha Flavell | The Oswegonian