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Katharine Means CalArts Garden

When considering the possible ways to research topics surrounding the CalArts Garden, I found myself drawn to the issue of food insecurity on college campuses. In “Going Without: An Exploration of Food and Housing Insecurity Among Undergraduates” a first of its kind study by Katharine M. Broton and Sara Goldrick-Rab in 2017, they estimate that approximately half of all college students face insecurity at some point during their education. Food insecurity can be divided into two categories- chronic and episodic. For those facing chronic food insecurity not knowing where their next meal is coming is more of an everyday reality while those facing episodic insecurity expecince this uncertainty on a less frequent basis. Studies show that “Former foster youth, L.G.B.T. students and students of color are at substantially increased risk” and that “Food insecurity is strongly linked to lower graduation rates” (Goldrick-Rab). Sara Goldrick-Rab aptly closes her New York Times Opinion article from January 2018 by stating, “after all, it’s impossible to learn when you’re starving”  (Goldrick-Rab).

One of the main causes for this epidemic is the increase in college tuition. For many students simple affording the cost of tuition and housing leaves little for expenses like groceries. It can be difficult for students to admit that they are struggling and often face this issue while their teachers and peers are unaware. It is an issue university are having difficulty addressing. Rachel Sumekh, the chief executive of the Los Angeles-based nonprofit Swipe Out Hunger, says “Not a single university administrator wanted to acknowledge this was an issue five years ago. But the numbers are amazing. It helps us make the case to universities that they need to do something about this.” I found a case study on this issue by Bon Appetit Management Company, who is group that manages the cafeteria here at CalArts which basically says the problem is very complex and requires multiple solutions.

It is my opinion that restarting the CalArts community garden could  provide some assistance. Students would have access to nutritious options when they are facing food insecurity. 

Linked below are the articles/studies I have found relating to college food insecurity:

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