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When we talk about summer hunger, we usually picture school-aged children who rely on free or reduced-price lunch during the academic year. And that’s a valid concern. But there’s another group who often goes unseen: college students.
Food insecurity doesn’t take a summer break—and for students who stay behind on campus, it can get worse.
At Western Washington University in Bellingham, WA, many students remain during the summer for jobs, classes, or graduation requirements. Yet while the campus thins out, so do their food options. Dining halls reduce hours. Chain restaurants close. Campus markets shut down.
For students like Kyah Trotter, that means cutting back to just two meals a day.
“I don’t have a lot of fruits and vegetables,” Trotter told The Front. “Food has become expensive and I’m not getting the nutrients I need.”
To help close that gap, the Western Hub of Living Essentials (WHOLE Pantry) plans to stay open this summer—relying heavily on community donations to keep fresh produce available. The pantry is part of the school’s Basic Needs Hub and works closely with the Bellingham Food Bank, which offers a drive-through grocery program, home delivery, and walk-in access.
According to a recent survey, 45.4% of WWU students experience food insecurity. Let that sink in—nearly half.
And yet, many students don’t even know where or how to access available resources.
“They’re a really good resource,” said India Wright, a fourth-year student, “but when they’re stocked, they run out of food the same day.”
This summer, the WHOLE pantry is boosting awareness and expanding access. In early June, they hosted open drop-in hours to guide students through the SNAP application process and connect them with food programs in the region.
Gina Ebbeling, a Basic Needs Resource navigator, said the pantry is expecting to rely more on fresh food donations.
“We get some great produce in the summer,” she said. And they’re going to need every bit of it.
Meanwhile, staff at the Bellingham Food Bank are urging students and community members alike to check in with themselves.
“Sit back and take a look at what you eat in a day, a week, a month,” said Stephanie Sisson, the food bank’s communications and outreach coordinator. “Would saving a few hundred dollars a month make a difference to your life? If so, you probably need that support.”
This is the kind of story that inspires Meals n Feelz.
We believe food justice includes everyone. That means the third grader whose school is closed for the summer, and the 21-year-old who’s taking extra credits and working two jobs to make rent.
Programs like WHOLE and Bellingham Food Bank are on the front lines—and they’re doing it with dignity, care, and community.
They need our support. Not just through donations (though those help too). But through awareness, amplification, and showing up for students others forget.
Let’s make sure no one goes hungry during the summer—especially those who’ve already been asked to do more with less.