Hungry Students, Big Prize: Utah Professor Tackles Campus Food Insecurity
Addressing Food Insecurity on College Campuses
For many, the image of a typical American college student is one of carefree days spent studying for finals, attending football games, and staying up late for study sessions after a party. However, this stereotype doesn’t reflect the reality for many students across the country — including those in Utah. Many students are struggling with food insecurity, often unsure where their next meal will come from while pursuing their education.
Campus-based food pantries have become essential resources for students facing these challenges. These pantries are located in various places on campuses, such as union buildings, libraries, classrooms, and dormitories. Yet, they rely heavily on donations to keep their shelves stocked. Without contributions, both in cash and goods, these pantries would quickly run out of supplies.
At Utah State University (USU), psychology professor Michael Twohig has taken action to support students facing food insecurity. After receiving the prestigious D. Wynne Thorne Career Research Award — which includes a $7,500 cash prize — he decided to donate the entire amount to USU’s Student Nutrition Access Center (SNAC). This decision was not only driven by his research team's efforts but also by his personal connection to SNAC, where some of his Ph.D. students have found much-needed assistance.
Twohig emphasized that SNAC plays a vital role in reducing food waste by reclaiming usable food that would otherwise go to landfills. For instance, unused food from campus events is collected, repackaged, and stored for student distribution. Additionally, local restaurants in Logan contribute their leftover food, further supporting the pantry’s mission.
Beyond his donation, Twohig launched a matching campaign to encourage others to contribute. Every dollar donated to the campaign will be matched with a dollar from his award, doubling the impact of each contribution. This initiative has already seen success, with several donors matching his gift.
Kaylie Meccariello, a dietetics student and SNAC’s student director, shared how the pantry has helped her during times of need. “Having access to nutritious food made a big difference in my ability to focus on homework and social life,” she said. Meccariello hopes that raising awareness about food insecurity will help reduce the stigma surrounding the use of such resources.
Food insecurity is not limited to USU. Across Utah, multiple higher education institutions operate food pantries and programs to assist students facing nutrition scarcity:
- University of Utah operates the Feed U Pantry, offering free, nutritious food to students, faculty, and staff.
- Utah Valley University provides weekly access to a wide range of items, including fresh produce and hygiene products.
- Salt Lake Community College runs Bruin Pantries, supported by donations from the Utah Food Bank and other local organizations.
- Brigham Young University offers a comprehensive program to help students struggling with food costs.
- Weber State University maintains the Weber Cares Pantry, providing essential food and hygiene supplies.
- Southern Utah University’s HOPE Pantry serves hundreds of students weekly with $40 to $50 worth of food and supplies.
- Utah Tech University offers multiple resources, including the Blazer Food Pantry and a mobile pantry.
- Snow College operates Buster’s Pantry to meet short-term needs.
- Westminster University runs the Purple Basket, ensuring dignified access to food and household items.
These initiatives highlight the growing recognition of food insecurity as a critical issue affecting students. By supporting campus food pantries, individuals can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who might otherwise go hungry. Whether through small or large donations, every contribution helps ensure that no student’s academic success is hindered by hunger.