FIERCe

Student #14 Testimonial - "PCC Food Is Expensive" 

 Student: "I do get hungry in class a lot but I always have snacks with me from home or I’ll actually pack a lunch from home -- which is whatever my mom made that day. Whether it’s pasta or rice or anything like that. I never buy food from PCC because it’s so expensive. If I really really want to buy something, then I’ll just take the shuttle down to PSU and I’ll buy some thing from that area because it’s so much cheaper down there." 

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Student 15

How has food insecurity affected you as a college student?

Um, I think it has affected me in many ways, but I think the biggest in my personal experience has been reinforcement of um, negative eating habits, um. As someone who struggles with an eating disorder I used my lack of food or, um, food insecurity as a way to justify my eating disorder, um; because I didn’t have food to eat, I didn’t eat. Um, and so that just fueled already an ongoing thing when I was secure in food. Um, at home I. . .it was an issue, but because I could justify me not eating, with either having to work all the time and balancing school and a full time job, um, and no money, I was able to justify that disorder in me being like, ‘oh, well I can’t eat because I’m busy’ or ‘I have class’ instead of being like, ‘this is an issue and I, um, need help.’ So I think that is the biggest that has affected me in my--as a student in my food insecurity.

Do you think maybe you could speak on how it affected your ability to succeed in college scenario?

Uh, I think when you are not eating healthy things, um--and then when I did it eat was, you know, ramen and things that I could afford, um. . .I didn’t have the means necessary to have a functioning body or brain, um, and it can lead to depression and just a lack of motivation in yourself and a lack of, um, drive, and any ability to want to do anything. So it was ultimately the reason that I dropped out.

Whoah. I appreciate you being able to speak openly with me, and thank you so much for your time.

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Student 18

When I was younger I used to be so embarrassed to receive school food because (I) knew that everyone knew that I was poor because I couldn't afford to have a packed lunch like everyone else. It got really bad to the point that I wouldn't go up to get my food and I wouldn't eat lunch at school. I became medically underweight at the time. I know how hard it is to feel judged for not having what you cannot afford. I owe everything to the ladies at the food bank that woulf welcome us and make us feel comfortable, so that we wouldn't feel shame over not being able to afford a basic necessity. Having a positive experience and people encouraging you really helps to male one comfortable to receive food.

The hardest part for me is feeling insecure about asking for help. I feel like because I’m older I should have this figured out by now. People younger than me have it figured out why done I? The best I can suggest would keep putting it out there that it’s ok to need a little help no matter you age. 

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