Care closet helps fight food insecurity
Food insecurity is an issue that many students on any college campus face.
Food insecurity is the condition of not having access to a sufficient amount or adequate quality of food that is necessary to meet the needs of a person. With hopes to raise awareness regarding food insecurity on campus, the Javelina Care Closet provides food for every student who faces the lack of resources.
The Care Closet is an organization that strives to provide students with access to many types of foods, hygiene products to fit the needs for both male and female students, home essentials, school supplies and even professional clothing.
Jo Elda Castillo-Alaniz, assistant dean of students, shared information on where the organization receives some of their funding and donations.
“We have various methods. One, we have funding from the Coastal Food Bank. We have a grant that’s given to us. We also have individuals who donate,” Alaniz said.
Javelina Care Closet fully restocked for students.
A misconception about food insecurity is that not a lot of people deal with this issue, especially not students in higher education. Although in reality it is the complete opposite.
When it comes to higher education, food insecurity is often overlooked because of the misconception that students already receive enough help with financial aid and funding.
“A majority of students still struggle even if they get all of that or have a job. It’s still complicated, even if you are an adult,” Xiomara Landa said.
After working the Care Closet Aulyzaundra Ortiz is able to see just how common food insecurity is on campus.
“Honestly, food insecurity is such a common thing. A lot of students deal with it,” Ortiz said.
Many workers of the Care Closet believe that food insecurity is something that students deal with alone because of fear or embarrassment of having to reach out for help from other resources.
“The stigma. The stigma of letting some else know that I am here to pick up food,” Alaniz said.
The Javelina Care Closest is located in Room 102 of Sam Fore Hall.