Let's be Frank About Food

Free food at school-funded events might seem like a small detail, but it matters more than many realize. We don’t always talk openly about food insecurity on campus, yet it affects attendance, participation, and how connected students feel. It’s possible that food could be the difference between someone showing up or staying home.

Food scarcity looks different for everyone. For some students, it could mean skipping meals to save money. For others, it means choosing between groceries and textbooks, rent, or transportation. These realities can be easy to overlook. When events assume everyone has eaten or can afford food beforehand, they unintentionally exclude people. Being frank with each other means acknowledging that not all students start from the same place.

Offering free food at school-funded events helps lower this hidden barrier. The food removes the quiet stress of figuring out where your next meal is coming from and replaces it with a sense of welcome. Our events are meant for everyone, not just those who have the time, money, or energy to plan ahead.

You belong here as you are.

Food also has a unique way of bringing people together. Sitting down with a plate in your hand makes conversations easier. Food gives people something to share and bond over. Whether it’s going out for dinner, coffee, a drink, or even hot dogs, food creates a more relaxed environment where people are more likely to talk, listen, and ultimately connect and build community.

This is where being frank with each other comes in. Our conversations don’t need to be perfect to be meaningful. Sometimes the most impactful gatherings are the simplest ones– people, food, and space to connect with one another. We can’t wait for students to open up and connect authentically with one another.

If our campus makes food a priority, we take care of our students. It leads to events that feel accessible, with fewer students feeling invisible or left out. Being frank means admitting that food insecurity exists, and choosing to respond with empathy.

Imagine we could be frank about food. Imagine we could ensure that we nourish both our bodies and our connections. Sometimes, the simplest things, like sharing a meal, can make the biggest difference.