Baylor Tackles Student Food Insecurity Through Expansive Initiatives

Contact: Kelly Craine, 254-297-9065
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September is Hunger Action Month, a nationwide effort to raise awareness about hunger in America and inspire action. This month, we are spotlighting innovative and sustainable Baylor University initiatives that address food insecurity in local and global communities, school districts and college campuses.

Food insecurity among college students presents unique challenges. Baylor University’s Student Opportunity and Achievement Resources (SOAR) in the Paul L. Foster Success Center estimates that at least 2,150 Baylor students experience some form of food insecurity each year. 

The causes vary – students often must manage tight financial budgets due to tuition, rent and other educational expenses. Many depend on part-time jobs or financial aid –  which may not sufficiently cover their living expenses. Time constraints due to busy academic schedules and extracurricular commitments further limit students’ ability to prepare nutritious meals, often leading to a reliance on expensive convenience foods.

“Students face a perfect storm when it comes to food insecurity,” said Tre Baldwin, assistant director for SOAR. “Between academic pressure, financial strain and time limitations, many students struggle to find the balance to maintain proper nutrition.”

Baldwin noted that food insecurity doesn't just impact students’ physical health; it also takes a toll on their academic performance and mental well-being. Students facing food insecurity often report higher levels of stress, difficulty concentrating and lower academic achievement. By addressing food insecurity, Baylor aims to create an environment where all students can thrive academically and maintain their overall well-being.  

Launching "The Store" 

Recognizing the need to address food insecurity on campus, SOAR took a proactive approach by launching The Store – an on-campus student food pantry. This initiative, which began as a modest food pantry in a large closet, has evolved into a fully operational resource on first floor of the Sid Richardson Building in the center of campus.

Sid Rich is home of the Foster Success Center, which provides a supportive environment for all students with a wide range of services intentionally designed to undergird and maximize opportunities for success in their Baylor experience. The Store is one of those vital services, which is equipped to provide not only food but also essential items like toiletries and first-aid supplies. 

“The creation of The Store is a testament to Baylor’s commitment to ensuring that every student has access to basic needs. What started with one professor's initiative to provide snacks and basic food has grown into a full-fledged service that supports hundreds of students,” Baldwin said.

Additional resources

Beyond The Store, Baylor has implemented a variety of other programs aimed at alleviating food insecurity among students:

• Bear Swipe Share: This initiative allows students to donate their unused meal swipes, which are then redistributed to those in need.
• SNAP Benefits: Trained staff and volunteers guide students through the application process for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. 
• The Fridge: To make food more accessible, multiple snack stations have been set up across campus, offering free snacks and microwaveable meals to students in various high-traffic areas.

Expanding support for basic needs

Baylor is committed to expanding its support for students facing food insecurity. Future plans include adding more basic needs items to The Store, such as laundry supplies, feminine hygiene products and dietary-specific food options like kosher, vegan and vegetarian meals. The University also is exploring ways to further enhance its services to meet the dietary preferences and requirements of its diverse student body.

“As we continue to assess the needs of our students, we are actively working to broaden our offerings. Our goal is to ensure that no student at Baylor has to choose between their education and their basic well-being,” Baldwin said.

ABOUT STUDENT OPPORTUNITY AND ACHIEVEMENT RESOURCES (SOAR)

Student Opportunity and Achievement Resources provides resources and programming aimed at supporting Baylor’s student population. SOAR is dedicated to offering the research and scholarly opportunities and financial knowledge, skills and support systems necessary for students to ensure their educational success at all levels.

Programs include:

• Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program (McNair Scholars Program) 
• Student Financial Wellness 
• Latino/a/x Success Initiatives
• The Store and other food insecurity and basic needs programs, including the Campus Closet

Pathfinders Program, which provides undergraduate students in their first year at Baylor with the tools and resources necessary to identify research opportunities and apply for research and graduate preparation programs such as the McNair Scholars Program. 

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked Research 1 institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 20,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions. Learn more about Baylor University at www.baylor.edu.