Imagine sitting in class while your stomach aches from hunger. This is the reality for too many students at Fresno City College.
Food insecurity (the lack of consistent access to enough nutritious food) is a crisis both nationwide and here in Fresno. The city ranks as the fourth most food-insecure metropolitan area in the United States, with nearly 25% of residents unable to consistently put food on the table. More than 11,000 children in America face hunger every day, according to the Food Research and Action Center.
College students face this challenge amid rising costs. Between 2020 and 2023, grocery prices surged nearly 24%. Although inflation has slowed this year, food costs remain higher than last year. After paying tuition, rent and transportation, many students cannot afford healthy meals.
A UCLA study found nearly 50% of California community college students experience food insecurity. Hunger not only harms health but also undermines academic success.
My experience with the Ram Pantry is that whenever I’m hungry or just need a snack between classes the Ram Pantry is the best place for me to stop by when I need a snack or drink between classes. They always have a nice selection of food and items and the staff is always helpful if I have a question or need help.
The Ram Pantry at FCC plays a vital role by providing free groceries and hygiene supplies to all enrolled students, without income requirements or complicated paperwork. The pantry’s mission is clear: no student should face hunger while pursuing their education. It helps students focus on coursework instead of worrying about their next meal.
While the pantry is a lifeline, it cannot solve the problem alone. Addressing food insecurity requires increased funding for programs such as CalFresh, expanded campus resources and broader community support.
Ending hunger on campus is a community responsibility. When students have reliable access to food, they can fully engage in their education and work toward graduation.
No student should have to choose between food and their future. It’s time to act.
