SEATTLE — As inflation and the cost of living increase, college students are one group that is squeezed as they try to pay for groceries.
That struggle is seen at the University of Washington Food Pantry in Seattle where the need has doubled just this quarter. The pantry averages over 600 visitors a week, most of whom are undergraduate and graduate students, according to Ellie Green, UW Food Pantry student director.
Federal data shows that 23% of undergraduate students in the United States face food insecurity.
Green said the pantry has just seen more and more visitors.
“We're working really hard to do the best we can with what we've got but it's a real challenge,” Green said. “Food Insecurity is a huge problem and it looks so many different ways for so many different people.”
The need is so great that some students are trying to find ways to help, including some college athletes who are helping to raise awareness.
Elle Ladine, a UW sophomore and basketball player, said her family has worked at a nonprofit in San Francisco, helping serve hot meals on Christmas Day.
“It's definitely something that hits close to home, close to my heart,” Ladine said.
For Dalayah Daniels, a junior and UW basketball player, food insecurity is personal and something she has experienced herself.
“A lot of my pivotal years were spent in Rainier Beach, and if you know anything about Rainier Beach, it’s a lot of minorities, low-income families,” Daniels said.
Now a UW athlete, Daniels said she’s privileged to be financially supported but she realizes not everyone has that support.
“I think just trying to like spread awareness and talk to my peers, you know, just like make sure that they're OK whether it's me like making more dinner, I'm doing what I can,” Daniels said.
KING 5’s annual Home Team Harvest drive to benefit Northwest Harvest is underway. This year’s goal is to raise 23 million meals.
Ways to donate:
- Online through Northwest Harvest
- Visit your local Safeway or Albertsons to give $5, $10 or $12 toward grocery cards.
- Make in-person donations at two locations on Dec. 2 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Rainier Safeway: 9262 Rainier Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98118
Everett Safeway: 5802 134th Place SE, Everett, WA 98208
Watch the Home Team Harvest broadcast special on Dec. 2 at 10 a.m. on KING 5, KING5.com and KING 5+.