food insecurity

Off the Clock: Volunteering at a community farm, Carissa O’Neill is a good seed

Lauren Reuscher — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 16:11:10 +0000

Off the Clock: Volunteering at a community farm, Carissa O’Neill is a good seed Lauren Reuscher Wed, 07/17/2024 - 12:11

Carissa O’Neill started her job at ��ӽ紫ý as an office assistant in University Life one year ago. In this role, she manages schedules, plans events, and more. Outside the office, O’Neill volunteers to do a different variety of tasks: planting seedlings, sinking stakes, laying out irrigation hose, harvesting crops, and weeding greenhouses.

O’Neill volunteers at The JK Community Farm in Purcellville, Virginia—a 150-acre working farm that donates 100% of its produce to local food pantries. The farm is managed by three staff members, and most of the farm work is done by volunteers. Produce is donated for distribution to community members facing food insecurity.

Carissa O'Neill (with husband Justin O'Neill) volunteers at JK Community Farm in Purcellville, Virginia. Photo provided

How did you first get started with this volunteer activity? How long have you been doing it?

I had never worked on a farm before! But I like to work with my hands, have a great desire to learn about growing and harvesting food, and there are a good number of small farms around this part of Virginia. I found JK Community Farm when I was looking for farming jobs one day. I didn’t find a job that made sense for me, but volunteering has been a great alternative. I’ve been doing it since 2021. It's a great way to get outside, and what a boost to know that you're helping someone get access to fresh fruit and vegetables.

What's a typical day look like when you volunteer at the farm? How many different crops have you harvested?

I spend a few hours a month there, usually on a Saturday or Sunday. When you get there, you gather with the other volunteers and wait for one of the staff members to assign you a task. They take time to show you how to do it, and off you go! I've helped harvest produce like potatoes, asparagus, and sunflowers, and I've planted crops like onion and bell peppers.

O'Neill did not have any prior experience working on a farm, but she wanted to learn about growing and harvesting food. Photo provided

What has been the most memorable experience you’ve had in this volunteer work?

Harvesting asparagus for the food banks—I never knew how it grew, or that it can regrow itself from the stalk you cut.

What lessons have you learned?

I’ve learned the importance of addressing the lack of fresh produce available for those who need food assistance. Of course, food banks have shelf-stable items, but what a blessing to also have fresh fruit and veggies to offer.

What else do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I also love to sew, cross stitch, watch television, and do escape rooms.

Did you know? ��ӽ紫ý’s Greenhouse and Gardens Program offers volunteer opportunities for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members. The program partners with the Patriot Pantry to help address food insecurity within the ��ӽ紫ý student population. Volunteers grow food sustainably, harvest and distribute produce, and more. Visit the University Sustainability website for more information.

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Patriot Pantry partners with Capital Area Food Bank for food delivery

Colleen Rich — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 19:28:06 +0000

Patriot Pantry partners with Capital Area Food Bank for food delivery Colleen Rich Thu, 11/30/2023 - 14:28

��ӽ紫ý’s Patriot Pantry, in cooperation with the Capital Area Food Bank, is delivering groceries to food-insecure Mason students and their families.

Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

“We started from a place of understanding that students have a lot of demands being put on their time and on their resources and began with the simple premise that addressing food needs would increase their success rates,” said Sabrina Tadele, director of strategic initiatives at the food bank, a hunger relief organization that works with community partners throughout the Washington, D.C., region.

The food bank delivers shelf-stable groceries and fresh produce to Mason, which, in cooperation with DoorDash, are then delivered to students’ homes within a 15-mile radius of the Fairfax Campus.

“[DoorDash] has been very, very generous with nonprofits, including the whole national network of food banks,” said Tadele.

The Patriot Pantry was the focus of Mason Vision Day 2023, a day of focused philanthropy for the Mason community. Funds raised on Mason Vision Day helped to secure student meal vouchers for on-campus dining, provide gift cards for local grocery stores, and to supply the Patriot Pantry, which is operated by the Student Support and Advocacy Center within University Life.

As part of Mason Vision Day, the food bank matched $30,000 of the funds raised in the form of credits in its online ordering portal, expanding access to a greater variety of foods.

“Food insecurity is often an experience compounded by other forms of basic need insecurity, such as financial instability and unstable transportation,” said Dwayne Hamilton Jr., assistant director for basic needs at Mason’s Student Support and Advocacy Center. “The Home Delivery Program promotes consistent and healthy food intake while addressing financial and transportation barriers that impact access. Confronting these obstacles enables students to devote their full attention to their academics.”

Mason staff fill orders and arrange for food delivery to students. CAFB conducts surveys with students at the beginning and end of each semester to measure the degree of a student’s food insecurity, as well as students’ subjective measures of well-being: physical health, mental health, and ability to focus in class.

Mason will provide academic data with anonymized identifiers, including information on students’ enrollment intensity, time to graduation, and attrition and retention.

“We spent a lot of time with our evaluation specialist designing the surveys the students will receive,” said Tadele. “We have to be able to understand whether [the program] works or not.”

“One of our broader goals with these partnerships is that we want to give students the support they need to finish their programs and then earn living-wage jobs and be able to contribute to our local economy. It’s a cyclical effect,” said Grace Brown, CAFB strategic initiatives manager.

This article originally appeared in University Life's Succeed magazine in a slightly different form.

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Donors helped address food insecurity at Mason during Mason Vision Day 2023

Colleen Rich — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 18:55:25 +0000

Donors helped address food insecurity at Mason during Mason Vision Day 2023 Colleen Rich Wed, 07/19/2023 - 14:55

Each year the ��ӽ紫ý community has the opportunity to support a cause that matters to them through Mason Vision Day.

Led by the Office of Annual Giving, Mason Vision Day 2023, held on April 6, highlighted the challenges posed by student food insecurity—which is a growing issue at Mason and at college campuses across the nation. This year, Mason Vision Day raised $290,000 for Mason causes with nearly $90,000 dedicated to student food insecurity.

Food insecurity is the lack of consistent access to a sufficient amount of food, which in turn can create other obstacles for students making it difficult for them to focus on their studies and fulfill their potential.

“We know that nationally, one-third of college students contend with food insecurity at some point during their collegiate career,” said Rose Pascarell, vice president for University Life at Mason. “We are so appreciative that Mason Vision Day could raise money, and awareness, for this pervasive and persistent problem we know exists on our campuses as well.”

Funds identified for student food insecurity will support campus resources like the Patriot Pantry, which provides students with access to food and hygiene items. Mason Vision Day donations will also help provide meal swipes for students so they can dine with peers, purchase gift cards for local grocery stores, and receive individualized guidance beyond food such as assistance with child care, job placements, mental health and housing.

The concept of a focused Mason Vision Day began in 2020 during the height of the pandemic when the Mason community came together to secure and distribute emergency funds and resources for Mason’s most vulnerable students.

The Patriots Helping Patriots initiative distributed a variety of resources to assist students and families, such as offering access to food, educational materials, and counseling resources. Within eight weeks, Mason’s Alumni Association and Office of Alumni Relations distributed nearly $2 million to aid students with tuition, housing, food, and other emergency needs. The event’s success led to the idea of rallying the Mason community around one vision each year—Mason Vision Day. While Mason Vision Day offers a common focus, it also embraces all philanthropic initiatives on campus, encouraging students, faculty, alumni, and donors to support what matters most to them at Mason.

“Focusing Mason Vision Day on a central initiative offers the opportunity to move the needle and really make a difference in a specific area,” said Trishana E. Bowden, president of the ��ӽ紫ý Foundation and vice president for advancement and alumni relations. “This is the true meaning of philanthropy—we recognize a need and come together to help one another.”

Mason Vision Day was also supported the Capital Area Food Bank. The food bank is an established anchor of hunger relief infrastructure across the Washington, D.C., region. Through a partnership with Mason to address campus food insecurity, Capital Area Food Bank matched $30,000 of the funds raised on Mason Vision Day through credits in its online food ordering portal.

“The response from our community was terrific,” said Pascarell. “In particular, I’d like to express my appreciation for our work with the Capital Area Food Bank and their generosity in supporting our students. Our growing partnership will make an incredible impact on our university’s ability to provide students the resources they need to be successful.”

Events like Mason Vision Day 2023 and programs like the Patriot Pantry give students the opportunity to thrive and continue to pursue their dreams.

“��ӽ紫ý is a community of caring, compassion, and hope,” Bowden said. “This year, our gifts will have a direct impact on many of our students. I am grateful and honored to be part of this extraordinary community.”

To support Mason students please go to giving.gmu.edu.

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Capital Area Food Bank announces a boost for Mason Vision Day—and beyond

Colleen Rich — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 20:15:28 +0000

Capital Area Food Bank announces a boost for Mason Vision Day—and beyond Colleen Rich Wed, 04/05/2023 - 16:15

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Read about Mason Vision Day

On Mason Vision Day, donors decide
March 29, 2024
Alumni Association launches book scholarship in honor of esteemed colleague and alumna
March 29, 2024
Patriot Pantry partners with Capital Area Food Bank for food delivery
November 30, 2023
Donors helped address food insecurity at Mason during Mason Vision Day 2023
July 20, 2023
Capital Area Food Bank announces a boost for Mason Vision Day—and beyond
April 5, 2023

��ӽ紫ý has an important ally in its work to counter food insecurity among its students: The Capital Area Food Bank (CAFB) has announced that it is partnering with Mason to address campus food insecurity and will match the funds raised during Mason Vision Day.

“We are thrilled to have a partner in Capital Area Food Bank, because our organizations share a common understanding that it takes more than a meal to solve hunger,” said Rose Pascarell, Mason’s vice president for University Life.

The CAFB is the anchor of hunger relief infrastructure across the Washington, D.C., region, providing more than 50 million meals to communities in the area each year. Like Mason, the food bank approaches the problem of food insecurity through multiple channels and achieves its mission through many kinds of partnerships—including those with food distributors and retailers, farms, institutions, individuals, and other nonprofit organizations.

CAFB’s generous investment around Mason Vision Day is just a start: CAFB is building on existing relationships with community colleges in the Washington, D.C., area, and looking to Mason as one of the first four-year public institutions with whom it will partner to offer services and resources.

“The success of our region’s students creates positive ripple effects for individuals, families, and our local economy that will last well into the future,” said Radha Muthiah, president and CEO of the Capital Area Food Bank. “The CAFB is committed to partnering with institutions like Mason to ensure that hunger is never a barrier to a student’s academic achievement, or to fulfilling their highest potential.”

It is through these partnerships, and multiple solutions and community partners, that Mason hopes to move beyond food distribution to focus on tackling the root causes of hunger and inequity.

“Food insecurity is a complex problem that we simply can’t address through one solution,” said Pascarell. “Partnership with organizations, like the Capital Area Food Bank, that understand the scope of the problem and provides leadership in our region to make a difference, goes a long way toward helping us address food insecurity more holistically on our campuses.”

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Enhancing food security through aquaponics

Colleen Rich — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 18:16:25 +0000

Enhancing food security through aquaponics Colleen Rich Thu, 03/30/2023 - 14:16

On Thursday, April 6, 2023 Mason celebrates Mason Vision Day—an opportunity for the Mason community to come together each year to identify and support a deserving initiative on campus. This year’s efforts address campus food insecurity, supporting Mason students who have limited access to sufficient or quality food. Food insecurity on college campuses is a rising, problematic trend that Mason is committed to combating.

��ӽ紫ý University Sustainability and the Greenhouse and Garden’s Program are contributing to these efforts, promoting healthy eating and helping Mason Patriots achieve food security. One way this team is enhancing food security on campus is through the recent installation of a new aquaponic food system located at the Presidents Park Greenhouse (PPG) on the Fairfax Campus. The PPG is an on-campus site for year-round food production that grows approximately 1,000 lbs. of fresh produce annually.

To support this new initiative, the PPG received generous contributions from Mason Facilities, the Patriot Green Fund, and the Auxiliary Enterprise Management Council. Donielle Nolan, Greenhouse and Garden’s program manager, is spearheading this sustainable effort.

Greenhouse and Gardens Program manager Donielle Nolan demonstrates the aquaponics system.

Mason Facilities leadership is proud of the Greenhouse and Gardens program, and its contributions to campus food security and education. "Our greenhouse is an incredible asset to the campus community,” said Greg Farley, director of University Sustainability. “It is very unusual for a university to grow—and serve—fresh produce to a campus. We work hard to contribute to student food security, and to teach Patriots of all ages how to grow and prepare fresh, nutritious foods. That makes Mason unique.”

Nolan’s newest staff members include 15 goldfish that grow plants organically, without the use of soil, creating a fertilized environment for many of University Sustainability’s greens. In the aquaponic system, the fish produce waste that nitrifying bacteria then convert into nutrients for the plants. The plant roots absorb these nutrients, and in doing so filter the water so it can be safely recirculated back to the fish.

The aquaponics system includes a 200-gallon fish tank and three grow beds for the plants—producing harvestable, donation-ready items including vegetables, leafy greens, and herbs.

The Greenhouse and Gardens Program partners with the Patriot Pantry, a university program that provides food-insecure students access to nonperishable food and hygiene items and raises awareness about food insecurity within the Mason student population. The pantry is housed under the Student Support and Advocacy Center (SSAC) in the Division of University Life. The Patriot Pantry serves hundreds of students every semester. The Greenhouse and Gardens Program helps fill the gap by providing free fresh produce for those who are food insecure via the Greenhouse and Garden’s Program online portal. Donations include, but are not limited to tomatoes, lettuce, kale, bok choy, and soon strawberries.

Greenhouse and Gardens Program is always taking volunteers to help with its operations.

In order to grow and harvest the produce, the PPG relies heavily on its volunteers. Anyone can gain hands-on experience with both hydroponic and aquaponic systems while volunteering. Inside the greenhouse, participants can learn how to compost indoors with worms, harvest crops, sow and transplant seedlings, solve pest issues using natural organic methods, and support a thriving farm-to-table sustainable food operation. Another perk of volunteering is the chance to try the produce grown and take some home, as there is usually a surplus.

“Most of the produce goes to donations for the Patriot Pantry, and when students volunteer, they get to take home harvest-ready produce and herbs,” said Nolan. "We are always seeking ways to connect fresh food sources to those in need on campus.”

Another way University Sustainability and the Greenhouse and Garden’s Program is addressing food insecurity on Mason’s campus through educating students on healthy, sustainable food preparation in the form of on-campus cooking events.

“Our program educates students about healthy eating to promote overall well-being and sustainability. Many students are hesitant to request or accept healthy, sustainable donations due to limited knowledge regarding preparation and cooking with fresh ingredients,” said Nolan. “In addition, many students do not have access to a kitchen in their dorm rooms or do not have the time due to academic course load or employment obligations.”

In November 2022, the program hosted its first cooking event, “Earthsgiving,” yielding a large turnout of volunteers and students. Two free, sustainable cooking events are being held in Spring 2023. One in March and one in April to celebrate Earth Month. The March 31 cooking event is a partnership with the Patriot Pantry, Housing and Residence Life, Recreation, and Mason Dining to focus on education in preparing inexpensive meals, using commonly featured items from the Patriot Pantry. The cooking event in April 2023 has an international food theme. Keep an eye out on the Earth Month website for details regarding upcoming events.

“There are so many opportunities to combine the sustainable aspects of food, as well as the food security efforts that are gaining popularity amongst our students,” said Nolan. “These events help build community and educate and inspire students to eat more plant-based and home-prepared meals, which both promote environmentally conscious lifestyles as well as an increase in well-being.”

The Greenhouse and Gardens Program also maintains two outdoor sites that produce vegetables and fruit organically for donation, such as figs and passionfruit. They offer tours and educational activities for groups of all ages. To get involved, check out green.gmu.edu.

Learn more about how you can support Mason Vision Day and volunteer with University Sustainability. To volunteer, sign-up using our online platform, which can help you track your service hours for classes and more! 

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0423 Mason Sustainability

Close to home: Food insecurity on Mason’s campuses

Colleen Rich — Wed, 29 Mar 2023 20:47:37 +0000

Close to home: Food insecurity on Mason’s campuses Colleen Rich Wed, 03/29/2023 - 16:47

Learn more about Mason Vision Day

Food insecurity is more prevalent than many people realize, particularly among college students.

“A student who is encountering food insecurity experiences a consistent lack of food because of financial conditions,” said Rose Pascarell, vice president for University Life at ��ӽ紫ý.

Up to one-third of students nationally are impacted by food insecurity. Pascarell noted particular increases among certain student populations at Mason, including international students.

Vulnerable students may find that balancing academics with financial demands can be challenging. Even if students are aware of resources, the social stigma surrounding food insecurity can prevent many from seeking help. Nationally, 34 percent of students drop out of school as a result of such issues.

For students like Nelson Lemus, BS Business ’22, a master’s student in accounting, the stigma was difficult to overcome. In his first semester, Lemus found himself in need of assistance, but asking for help was not easy.

“During the pandemic, I was hit with a situational poverty,” said Lemus. “The option to continue my education was to sleep out of my car, not pay for housing, but to pay for school. I ended up not having enough funds to pay for food or even housing...this was very embarrassing for me.”

Though the social stigma persists around food and housing insecurity, the Mason community strives to reach as many students as possible through outreach and a determined effort to offer resources.

Through the Student Support and Advocacy Center (SSAC) within University Life, Mason offers a variety of resources for students experiencing food insecurity, including access to meal swipes, gift cards to purchase perishable foods, and connections to community resources.

One of Mason’s most well-known programs that directly supports students experiencing food insecurity is the Patriot Pantry. Originally known as the Pop-Up Pantry, the resource was created by then-student Yara Mowafy, BA Global Affairs ‘14, MA ‘15, and University Life staff member Michael Galvin.

“We started bringing our own stuff, toilet paper and things like that,” said Mowafy. “Then University Life staff heard about it, and we started reaching out to other student life organizations, and classrooms I was in.... Everybody found out that we were doing this, and it was no longer a ‘pop-up pantry.’ It was a real, organized thing.”

In 2015, Mason students Gary Hooker and Noah Shoates took over the daily operation of the pantry. The following year the pantry expanded to provide further supplies and resources to students, and was relocated to a new designated space in Student Union Building I. It became an official resource within the SSAC and renamed the Patriot Pantry.

During the past three years, Mason has seen a 172 percent increase in student use of the Patriot Pantry.

“I am very grateful for the pantry and all the resources Mason provided to me to help me achieve these great milestones I’ve been able to achieve,” said Lemus, who has an offer to work at a Big Four firm upon graduation.

Lemus encourages students who share a similar story to not view Mason’s resources as handouts.

“They are hand ups. They're there to help you overcome whatever situation, whatever hardship you're dealing with,” Lemus said. “So, students should not feel ashamed or embarrassed to receive this support—it is there to help you propel yourself to achieve whatever goals or milestones you have set for yourself.”

Mason Vision Day is an opportunity for our community to come together each year to identify and support a deserving initiative on campus. On April 6, support today’s Patriots by helping Mason address campus food insecurity.

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Mason comes together to address food insecurity on campus

Colleen Rich — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 21:25:15 +0000

Mason comes together to address food insecurity on campus Colleen Rich Wed, 03/15/2023 - 17:25

Food insecurity is a pervasive, compelling problem for many university students, including at ��ӽ紫ý.

Studies have shown that nationally, one in three students struggles to afford their next meal. The problem is largely unseen, particularly among student populations—like Mason’s—that include adult learners or students who are balancing their studies with employment or taking care of family members, causing them to put their personal health on a lower priority. Moreover, food insecurity may imperil that education: nationally, students experiencing food insecurity are 43% less likely to graduate.

Mason Vision Day is an annual opportunity for the campus community to come together to identify and support a deserving initiative on campus. For this year’s event on April 6, 2023, Mason is turning its focus to food insecurity, working to support already-established initiatives and exploring other ways to alleviate student food concerns.

“It’s really difficult to concentrate and succeed at your highest potential as a college student when you’re experiencing food insecurity,” said Matthew Carlos, assistant director for student support and community outreach at Mason’s Student Support and Advocacy Center (SSAC). The SSAC offers resources to Mason students in a host of areas, including a focus on basic needs insecurity.

“Food insecurity means that an individual has inconsistent access to enough food for their daily life,” Carlos said. And its effects are profound. Food insecurity can lead to nutrition deficiencies, resulting in physical ailments including hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease. It can impair the emotional development that naturally takes place between the ages of 18-22. The uncertainty of not knowing where a next meal is coming from causes chronic stress and can lead to increases in anxiety and depression. Research also has linked food insecurity to reduced cognitive function, poor sleep, and challenges in concentration.

Because of the stigma attached to food insecurity, it is difficult to get a handle on the full extent of the problem. Mason’s University Life office houses SSAC and operates the Patriot Pantry, which allows enrolled students to obtain nonperishable food and hygiene items. The number students using the services of the Patriot Pantry over the past three years has increased 172%.

“About 500 unique students each year take advantage of the pantry,” said Rose Pascarell, vice president for University Life. “Some of those are students who experience episodes in their life and come in one or a few times, but many of the students are seeking assistance on a weekly basis.”

SSAC has been working on ways to meet the need, including the Patriot Pantry as well as partnerships with organizations and businesses in the Mason community.

Professor Dann Sklarew of the Department of Environmental Science and Policy supports the SSAC’s work. He teaches capstone research course EVPP 480 Sustainability in Action and found that his students’ research projects were turning to food insecurity among their classmates. He and his students became “more and more involved with trying to understand the magnitude of the problem and what can be done about it,” he said

He agrees that a variety of possible solutions is the key. “We could really get to a point where everybody who isn’t getting enough calories or nutrition would have some options through the university or through other means,” Sklarew said.

“Mason is doing a fantastic job of reducing that stigma that's still associated with food insecurity,” said Carlos. “Whether that's through initiatives from President Washington and the Patriot Pantry challenge, student government, other leaders on campus, there's a lot of positive energy when it comes to reducing and eliminating food insecurity here at Mason.”

Learn more about how you can support Mason Vision Day.

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Pandemic emergency food benefits end as Nutrition Month starts

John Brandon Cantrell — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 19:10:06 +0000

Pandemic emergency food benefits end as Nutrition Month starts John Brandon C… Tue, 02/28/2023 - 14:10

In This Story

Evelyn Tomaszewski, MSW, ACSW

Kerri LaCharite, PhD

Erin D. Maughan, PhD

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food insecurity

Department of Nutrition and Food Studies

Department of Social Work

School of Nursing

SNAP benefits

Food and Nutrition

Poverty and Inequalities

March 1 end of program will impact millions of Americans–predominantly families and people of color

Millions of families rely on food pantries, even after the height of the pandemic. Photo Credit: Emily Bartenfelder, ��ӽ紫ý BSW '20

On the same day National Nutrition Month kicks off, millions of individuals and families in the U.S. who currently receive benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assessment Program (SNAP) will see a decrease in their federal food benefits. On March 1, pandemic emergency allotments to SNAP are set to end–cutting benefits by $90 per month per person (on average).

Despite SNAP emergency allotments, many Americans still face food insecurity

During the COVID-19 public health emergency, food insecurity rates doubled overall throughout the nation and tripled in households with children. Congress originally enacted emergency allotments (EAs) during the pandemic to provide economic stimulus and address food insecurity. However, data shows that even though EAs kept more than 4 million people “above the poverty line,” according to a study from the Urban Institute, millions of Americans still experienced food insecurity and lived below the poverty line.

Evelyn Tomaszewski, MSW, assistant professor of social work in the College of Public Health at ��ӽ紫ý, underscores the severity of the issue, saying: “Food insecurity was prevalent during the pandemic and will remain a serious concern in a ’post-pandemic’ world, particularly among households with children–who were most likely to face food insecurity during the pandemic–as well as communities of color (per USDA data).”

“When you are struggling to balance rent and daily living expenses, a loss of $168 or $190 can translate to hardship and extreme food insecurity,” said Tomaszewski. “In 2022, 9% of the population of Virginia, or 1 in 11 persons, accessed SNAP benefits. We are talking about our neighbors, our students, and our colleagues.”

A study by American University found that by the end of 2021, Americans were paying an average of 12 percent of their income on food; for lower-income wage earners, it was closer to 36 percent.

In 2023, an estimated 34 million people (including 9 million children) still remain food insecure, and the cost of food is expected to rise by 3.5 percent - 4.5 percent, according to the USDA.

Vulnerable populations already adversely affected by COVID will see the biggest impact

“Our country’s vulnerable populations have been the most affected by COVID and inflation. Those who live significantly below the poverty threshold, including households with children headed by single women and Black and Hispanic households, rely on SNAP benefits to make sure there is food on the table,” said Kerri LaCharite, PhD, associate professor of Nutrition and Food Studies in the College of Public Health.

LaCharite and Tomaszewski are also concerned for populations that will likely dip below the poverty line when EAs end, including college students, seniors living on a fixed income, and individuals with disabilities.

Mason Social Work students volunteer at food pantry during COVID-19 pandemic.

College students who qualified for the emergency allocation will also lose their benefits on March 1, when those defined as “able-bodied adults without dependents” will again be limited to a three-month limit of benefits. According to the College and University Food Bank Alliance, more than 30% of college students were food insecure in 2019, even before the pandemic.

Older adults and persons with disabilities saw a decrease in SNAP benefits when they received “long overdue (and still minimal) increase to social security benefits.” With the end of EAs, benefits will be cut (on average) by $168.00 per month for households with adults aged 60 and older and (on average) $190 per month for persons with disabilities.

The impact of food insecurity is long-lasting for children and adults. “The long-term effects of food insecurity will affect health outcomes. In children, food insecurity is associated with cognitive problems, higher risks of being hospitalized, asthma, behavioral problems, depression, poorer general health, among a longer list. In non-senior adults, food insecurity is associated with diabetes, hypertension, mental health issues, high blood cholesterol levels, and poor sleep,” said LaCharite.

Food banks, schools, and community support - How will individuals, families, and communities meet the need?

Erin Maughan, PhD, associate professor of nursing in the College of Public Health, works with K-12 school districts and school nurses and is particularly concerned about the impact on school-aged children, school systems, and the employees who may already be stretched thin.

“With SNAP emergency funds decreasing, it could increase the number of students or amount of food schools will provide students. Schools already are a safety net for food (breakfast and lunch), and some provide food backpacks for the weekend. Of greater concern is how it will impact mental health and learning. When children are hungry, they can't concentrate; down the road, it could also be an issue of malnutrition,” said Maughan

“Families are going to need to fill the gap somehow,” says LaCharite. “We have seen this in the past. It will likely mean increased reliance on food banks and pantries, skipping meals, and a significant decrease in the consumption of fruits and vegetables. Food insecure families buy less fruits and vegetables and buy more nonperishable staples as their budget for food shrinks.”

People are losing a significant amount of support money available via the SNAP EA, resulting in increased reliance on food banks (which are also consistently reporting both increased need and decreased donations.) While many of our area emergency food providers saw a temporary dip in need in fall 2021, they also experienced a large increase in patrons seeking food in the spring of 2022 as inflation rates started to rise.

What can be done to help?

March 1 is also the start of National Social Work Month, and Tomaszewski sees an important role for social work students and faculty–and beyond. In addition to donating to area food banks, there are ways that members of the community can help those experiencing food insecurity.

“At the macro or systems level, everyone can advocate for the Commonwealth of Virginia to add funds to the program that not only ensures SNAP benefits (at least) similar to the SNAP EA levels but also expands coverage to those that will be losing benefits, such as ‘able-bodied persons’ and college students,” says Tomaszewski.

She also sees an important role for those in the College of Public Health and beyond. “Social work students, and students throughout the College, directly work with those who will be affected by this policy change and/or who are at risk for food insecurity. At the individual level, social work students and allied professionals across the College can learn about food insecurity and available benefits, and ensure that clients know what is available, such as the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and SNAP.”

As the country recognizes National Social Work Month and National Nutrition Month, it is also an opportunity to recognize, support, and advocate for our neighbors, our students, and our colleagues who continue to experience food insecurity across the United States.

Mason professor wants more support for mothers and children suffering from food insecurity

Colleen Rich — Wed, 04 May 2022 12:25:07 +0000

Mason professor wants more support for mothers and children suffering from food insecurity Colleen Rich Wed, 05/04/2022 - 08:25

Constance Gewa. Photo by Creative Services

��ӽ紫ý professor Constance Gewa says that one of the biggest international problems we face is mothers and children worldwide chronically suffering from food insecurity and a lack of nutrition. Gewa, whose research has focused on countries in Africa, says that undernutrition can start in utero and get worse from there.

When children start their lives in poor nutritional status and it continues, there can be significant long-term consequences, said Gewa, an assistant professor in the College of Health and Human Services’ Department of Nutrition and Food Studies. For example, childhood stunting has been associated with reduced development and poor academic and work performance.

“When undernourished women become pregnant, it can affect their children’s overall health right away,” Gewa said. “Their children are likely to suffer from intrauterine growth retardation, low-birth weight and might not even survive or, if they do survive, they could struggle and fail to thrive. If they continue to face food insecurity and a lack of nutrition, their health and developmental problems will escalate.”

Gewa said there needs to be particular attention paid to young women, even before they become pregnant, to ensure that they are well-nourished and as healthy as possible.

“Addressing nutritional concerns and supporting the health of women and girls, at pre-conception, during pregnancies and between pregnancies, could help break the cycle of malnutrition,” said Gewa. “It’s a start, but it can’t end there.”

In addition, Gewa said it’s important to promote healthy child-feeding practices such as breastfeeding whenever possible.

“We know that the best and safest food for a baby is breast milk,” Gewa said. “In low-income nations, we promote breast feeding because we know it is safe and nutritious, but if a mother isn’t well-nourished then it is difficult for her to breastfeed her young child as recommended.”

Gewa’s work has highlighted high rates of food insecurity in small households in rural Kenya and the disconnection between promoted agricultural practices and the nutrition of mothers and children.

In general, she said, adopting agricultural policies that are nutrition-sensitive can lead to improved health and nutrition for mothers and children.

Small farm households “are most vulnerable to malnutrition. However, a number of agricultural policies are not sensitive” to poor farmers’ needs, said Gewa. “If the agricultural policies in a certain area do not promote healthful foods that a family can sustainably farm and consume, then that can lead to food and nutrition insecurity.”

Gewa is a leading expert in estimation of dietary intake quantity and quality in African populations, sustainable food-based strategies aimed at improving food security and nutritional and health status of mothers and children populations in resource-poor settings in Africa and diet-related behavior change. Gewa also worked as a nutrition team leader and a project coordinator with a child nutrition research project in Kenya.

Constance Gewa can be reached at cgewa@gmu.edu

For more information, contact Anna Stolley Persky at apersky@gmu.edu

About ��ӽ紫ý

��ӽ紫ý is Virginia’s largest public research university. Located near Washington, D.C., Mason enrolls 39,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 states. Mason has grown rapidly over the past half-century and is recognized for its innovation and entrepreneurship, remarkable diversity and commitment to accessibility. In 2022, Mason celebrates 50 years as an independent institution. Learn more at gmu.edu.

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Tip Sheet

College of Health and Human Services

Department of Nutrition and Food Studies

food insecurity

Research

CHHS Departments Compete in FACETS Donation Drive in Recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month

John Brandon Cantrell — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 15:37:25 +0000

CHHS Departments Compete in FACETS Donation Drive in Recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month John Brandon C… Thu, 12/02/2021 - 10:37

357 nonperishable food items and cleaning supplies were donated to local families in need

The School of Nursing and the Department of Rehabilitation Science came in first place with 103 items donated.

Members of the Master of Social Work Student Association (MSWSA) honored survivors of domestic violence during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month by organizing a donation drive competition. The month-long college-wide donation drive collected approximately 357 items across the College of Health and Human Service’s (CHHS) five departments, a testament to the CHHS community’s commitment to helping those in need.

Kendall Hunter, president of MSWSA, was motivated to organize the donation drive because many survivors of domestic violence experience financial and housing instability, which also impacts children who live in households with domestic violence and may need to relocate with a parent who is seeking safety.

Hunter said, "Through our studies, social work students have learned about the intersection between domestic violence, homelessness/housing instability, and financial instability. The MSWSA also recognizes the impact domestic violence has on children's emotional well-being, social functioning, and academic functioning."

Each CHHS department participated in the competition to collect the most nonperishable food items and cleaning supplies for FACETS, a Fairfax nonprofit organization that provides services to families, such as food, emergency shelter, medical care, and safe housing. MSWSA set up labeled donation bins in the lobby of Peterson Hall so participants could conveniently donate items for their department as they walk to class.

Thank you to MSWSA for organizing the donation drive and to the students, faculty, and staff who have participated in the competition to support survivors of domestic violence.

“I am moved by our students launching a competition in support of providing food and supplies for those most in need in our communities,” said Dean Germaine Louis.

Results of the Donation Drive Competition

School of Nursing & Department of Rehabilitation Science - 103 items donated, in addition to a $25 Amazon gift card
Department of Social Work - 83 items donated
Department of Nutrition & Food Studies - 64 items donated
Department of Global & Community Health - 57 items donated
Department of Health Administration & Policy - 50 items donated

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food insecurity

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CHHS Departments Compete in FACETS Donation Drive in Recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month

357 nonperishable food items and cleaning supplies were donated to local families in need

Results of the Donation Drive Competition

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