More than one-third of students struggle with buying food and finding stable housing, according to a study by Temple University and the Wisconsin HOPE Lab.
Texas Tech University is no exception to the issue, said Dean of Students Matt Gregory.
“Every week, we will hear about food issues for a student with food insecurity. Probably about every month, we will identify a student who may have concerns over housing and not currently having a place to live,” said Gregory.
Texas Tech student Rolando Garcia sad he has seen the consequences firsthand, having a friend who financially struggled.
“It was kind of hard for him because it did make him vulnerable. He was like, ‘I know I can’t help you with much, but if I could stay here, I would really appreciate it,” said Garcia.
When students struggle with paying for food or accommodations, it affects their ability to do well in school, Gregory said.
“If someone doesn’t know where they are going to live or get their next meal, being able to focus on academics is something that is going ot be difficult,” he said.
However, Texas Tech works together with students to ensure they have food and a home. They have a food pantry available to all students, and a “Red Raider Relief Fund” for individuals in more extreme situations, he said.
“We also look into physical health and mental health because of the stress associated with financial heath or issues of food insecurity,” said Gregory.
Gregory also utilizes community resources for students, pointing out Paul’s Project and the Salvation Army as good resources.
While Texas Tech does not have as many students struggling with food insecurity as some campuses featured in the study, Gregory said, “it certainly warrants a conversation on campus to see how we can best support those students.”
