What are food insecurities?

Every November, the Healthy State initiative focuses on food insecurity awareness. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines food insecurity as a, “lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life.” In 2017, an estimated 1 out of every 8 Americans were food insecure and among people in metro Atlanta and north Georgia  1 out of 7.5 people use food pantries or meal service programs to feed  their families. According to a recent report,  37% of college students face food insecurity and a third of students skipped or cut the size of their meals because they could not afford food.

Georgia State University students, experiencing food insecurity, can access any of the four food pantries- Panther’s Pantry. Any current Georgia State University student can pick up food from the pantry once per week, with their Panther ID. Panther’s Pantry is stocked with dry goods (i.e., non-perishable food), canned fruits and vegetables, and toiletries. Other resources offered at the Panther’s Pantry include recipe flyers and flyers on how to maintain a healthy diet on a budget. The pantries are located on the following campuses:

• Atlanta: Inside parking deck B (underneath the Urban Life building)
• Clarkston: CH building 1131
• Dunwoody: NB building 2102
• Decatur: SB building 2116

Donations are always accepted by visiting the Panther’s Pantry website or ordering from the Amazon wish list. Dropbox locations are also available.

• Atlanta: Nutrition Department in Urban Life, Nursing Department in Urban Life, Petit Science Center, University Advisement Office, and Office of Civic Engagement.
• Dunwoody: Building ND next to the Starbucks café, Building NB in the Student Life office, and Building LRC on the left side of the library entrance.
• Clarkston: CN building at the Deans Office upstairs and Student Life office downstairs, the CL building (library), CA building, and the CH building outside of the Panther’s Pantry.

Follow Panther’s Pantry on social media for hours, recipes, events, and happenings. Facebook: Panther’s Pantry, Twitter: @PanthersPantry, Atlanta campus Instagram: @pantherspantry, Perimeter campuses Instagram: @pcpanterspantry.  Follow @BeWellGSU and #HealthyStateGSU this month for additional information about food insecurity and available resources.