“When you know better, you do better.” That is what sociology professor Alison Lacny has been teaching her students.  

Many people don’t know the effects or extent of food insecurity among college students. According to the Government Accountability Office, “About 3.8 million college students experienced food insecurity in 2020. A majority reported multiple instances of eating less than they should or skipping meals because they couldn’t afford enough food.”

Lacny said food insecurity in students is “something that goes unaddressed.” 

So she set out to help people “do better.” Over the past five years, she has incorporated the act of giving in her classes. Lacny strives to create a caring atmosphere in her classes, and she knows when students may need assistance.  

While some teachers offer extra credit for students who bring in food donations, Lacny said that “didn’t sit right” with her because some students may need the food themselves.

“I knew there were kids in that classroom and in the community that needed help,” she said.

Over the past few weeks, Lacny has been showing support by having a food drive in her classes, not for extra credit, but to show students that they can make a impact on someone’s life. A common theme taught in her class is how as humans “we do not just stand by and say, ‘Oh well.’” 

For food pantries, there is always a rise in donations around Thanksgiving because that is when people assume food is needed the most. But Lacny explained how “we see a dip in food pantries around this time,” and donations are always needed, not just once a year. 

Moraine Valley has been showing its students compassion for the past few years with Project Care, which gives students who might be afraid or ashamed a chance to be able to succeed in their college careers. 

Through Project Care, students can access what the college’s food pantry once a month. Project Care also offers emergency financial assistance and transportation in the form of bus passes and gas cards to help students get from home to school.

We often hear people joke about being a “broke college student,” but for some people, the reality is no joke.

If you want to help students with food insecurity, or you are experiencing it yourself, visit Project Care in the S building. You can also contact the Counseling & Career Development Center at 708-974-5722 or counseling@morainevalley.edu to learn more about the supports and resources provided through Project Care.

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PHOTO FROM CATALINA ROMO-MARTINEZ, VELOCITY CONTRIBUTOR