In January of 2023, the Hunger Center was awarded a 2-year grant from Point32Health to spearhead a Hunger Free Campus Initiative at URI. 

In the Spring of 2023, a campus-wide assessment to measure food insecurity among our students was conducted.  Data were analyzed during the summer of 2023 and initial results are summarized below.

• 1092 students completed the Food Security Survey
• 27% of students reported experiencing food insecurity during the previous 30 days (30% of undergraduates; 20% of graduate students)
• Rates of food insecurity were higher among students who reported minoritized racial, ethnic, or sexual orientation identities as compared to students identifying as straight and/or White.
• Students who reported food insecurity were more likely to report increased financial stress (e.g., housing, transportation, food, medical, school, and social-related), and worse mental and physical  health than food-secure students.
• Among undergraduates, those who were older, lived off campus, or lacked a meal plan were more likely to experience food insecurity than those who were younger, had meal plans, or lived on campus.

Efforts are ongoing to address food insecurity among URI students through a variety of activities and collaborations.

If you are interested in learning more or how you can get involved, please contact Kathleen Gorman, kgorman@uri.edu, or 874-9089.