The diet and eating habits of typical college students are a long running joke on campuses everywhere. Whether because of time or budget-related issues, it's not uncommon to hear of students living off Ramen noodles or similarly inexpensive cuisine.
For students who find themselves short on cash to buy groceries, there is a program that can help.
The organization Food for All, created in the Buffalo community in 1982, was formed with the mission statement of finding and implementing solutions to the problem of hunger. They work to increase food security and engage the community, particularly religious communities, in their endeavor.
"We are big in advocating and informing people about the benefits that are available to them," said Kelly Kowaiski, coordinator of the Food for All program.
One of the services that Food for All provides the community with is a food stamp program. Students with serious financial difficulties can apply for the service, and if approved, use the benefits to help them pay for their weekly groceries.
Kowaiski, who has been working to educate the community with different options to stop hunger, listed the food stamp program as an accessible option for college students, and many of them agree.
"Students are killing themselves at work-study jobs and still live paycheck to paycheck. If someone is willing to assist you financially then why think twice about it?" said Natalie Hutchinson, a junior nursing major. "It is only a temporary thing. I could have really used that money when I went grocery shopping the other day."
Although many students may be embarrassed about resorting to food stamps, Hutchinson said that she saw no shame in receiving the much-needed help.
"People are starving, there is no sense in being cute about it," she said.
Kowaiski agreed that people look down on receiving financial assistance, but continued to promote the program.
"There is a negative stigma on the financial assistance that the government has to offer. We try to encourage people who are eligible to take part," she said.
To be qualified for the program students must work at least 20 hours a week, be eligible for work-study, or have a child under the age of six living at home. The program requires interested people to fill out a standard application and complete an in-person or phone interview in order to get an idea of the living situation.
Shirley Cadet, a psychology and nursing major, is a UB student who is currently taking advantage of the food stamp program.
Cadet said she is grateful for the support she receives, but admits to having been reluctant when first looking into the program.
"Although my parents were supportive, I was the one who did not want the assistance," she said.
In addition to helping eligible people in the community take advantage of food stamps, Food for All uses its influence to lobby against hunger and assist people who are in need of food. They also run dining halls and food pantries throughout the Western New York area.
The organization is active with other community organizations, including the Homeless Coalition of Western New York and the local Boy Scout troop.
On March 19 the Food for All Public Policy Committee is sponsoring its sixth annual Faith and Hunger Conference. The conference will give the community an opportunity to learn about the 2005 Campaign for Bread for the Worlds and the Hunger Action Network of New York State (HANNYS).
The conference will also bring to light different food and hunger issues relevant to the whole world, including budget cuts for food program funding and food waste.
"America is the richest country in the world. It is such a shame that we have people that go hungry," said Kowaiski. "It does not make sense to have people who go hungry especially when we have so much food that is wasted on a day-to-day basis."
Hungry college students are no exception to those who can benefit from programs offered by Food for All.
"It helps so much. I work two jobs and go to school full time," said Cadet. "The money that they give you benefits more than I ever imagined."
Photo: Courtesy of Matthew Messina, from the RMBERS' Instagram page
