The Chronicle of Higher Education had an article yesterday on the issue of campus hunger. You can read the article here: How Many College Students Are Going Hungry?
We need to consider how many of our law students may face the same issue. Not all students have family or friends who can help financially. It is not unusual for a law student to comment on loan money running out before the semester runs out.
Students comment that they go to a lunch speaker to get the free food provided – but until reading a similar comment in this article, I had not thought about that comment perhaps meaning more than just liking Chipolte, Jimmy John's, or some other cuisine on offer. (I seem to have suppressed my own memories of subsisting on toast, hot tea, and canned broth at the end of tough financial months.)
Most universities have free financial advice for students, including budgeting, but the advice may be too late in the problem to help. Although we can refer students to financial aid, the re-packaging rules often mean that nothing can be done for them. University accounting rules may prohibit emergency loan programs. There are local food pantries in many communities – or local churches that provide food boxes. Some students may qualify for food stamps.
If students do not let us know the problem, we will be unable to make appropriate referrals. It is not easy to admit you have no food or the money to buy it. And learning is difficult when you are worried about your next meal – or rent – or gas – or prescription – or, well you get the idea. (Amy Jarmon)
