Butler County Community College is making a smart move by attempting to combat the issue of food insecurity among its students as well as the stigma behind it.

A survey at the school in 2018 found that 53% of the student body was lacking in at least one basic need. In 2019, it opened the Pioneer Pantry to supply food to students in need, which the school estimated makes up about 40% of the student body.

National figures show that food insecurity is a persisting problem in the United States. A 2020 study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture noted that 38.3 million people lived in food-insecure households, but a New York University study the following year found that about 15% of the population faced food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic. That number increased to 18% when it examined households with children.

Food insecurity describes an inability for people to have physical, social or economic access to sufficient and nutritious food that meets dietary needs for a healthy lifestyle.

It’s distressing to hear that such a large number of students in the county face such circumstances, but it’s great that BC3’s food pantry is addressing the situation. It’s also important that the pantry is aiming to reduce the stigma involved with food insecurity. Mikayla Moretti, a member of the school’s Food Security Team, said the stigma involved in receiving help has prevented students in the past from seeking it or resulted in students not taking as much food as they’re allowed per week. “The students who use it absolutely need it, and we are working to reduce the stigma,” said Karen Jack, BC3’s Keystone Education Yields Success project director. She added the school’s data on food insecurity suggests not all students who likely need to use the pantry do so. We hope BC3 finds success in reducing the perceived stigma in asking for help.

Long before COVID-19, there were a number of county residents — students included — who faced food insecurity. Jack said the pandemic has exacerbated the issue. There’s nothing wrong with asking for help, and no need to be embarrassed.

A lot of emphasis is placed on students to excel in school. But it’s hard to focus on one’s studies if you don’t have enough to eat or can’t afford healthy eating options.

Jack said that when donation boxes are set out on campus, they quickly fill up. This is great to hear. We hope those who can afford to keep on giving, that students in need are convinced to utilize the pantry’s services, and that BC3 continues its drive to combat food insecurity.

— NCD