Mind the Gap: Academic Libraries and Food Insecurity (Hyperlinked Environments)

While reading the suggested article about Carroll University’s food share program, I was struck by the idea of turning an academic library into a place where students could turn to reduce hunger in their communities. Harkening back to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, food accessibility in libraries lay the foundation for the success of the whole person and addresses one of the most fundamental needs of personhood. Food insecurity is a severe national problem, and college students make up a large segment of those who are being left behind. Between the high cost of tuition, supplies, books, housing, and food, as well as the added mental load of stepping out on one’s own for the first time and learning to navigate adulthood, it isn’t surprising that food insecurity follows closely on the heels of college kids (Mowreader, 2023). Having enough to eat is the cornerstone of a solid academic foundation, and “affects students’ academic success, including college completion, academic performance, class attendance, and concentration in class” (Wood, 2020).

“Academic libraries are uniquely positioned to address the needs of these [food insecure] students. Food pantries located in academic libraries have many advantages over traditional food pantries, such as longer hours, greater accessibility, and staff with more customer service experience” (Sanella, Shumaker, & Yohannes, 2023). According to Carroll University director of library services Joe Hardenbrook, it is hard to concentrate and do well academically if basic needs aren’t met (Spice, 2019). Library Dean Deborah Ludwig of Fort Hays State University in Kansas says ” ‘I think it’s nice to address the mind, but it’s great to address the body as well…it fits in beautifully with what we do'” (cited in Udell, 2019).

The vision statement of the main library of University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) is as follows:

The Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery will become the center of the University’s intellectual and creative life.

To serve future users, we will transform the Library’s physical and virtual space to adapt to changing needs; respond to advances in research, teaching, and learning; and invest in dedicated and knowledgeable staff by supporting professional growth and encouraging innovation.

Our commitment to this vision will position us as an institutional asset as the University looks to advance knowledge, economic prosperity, and social justice. (University of Maryland, Baltimore County, n.d.)

This vision statement is everything that the hyperlinked library strives to be. The library adapts to change, keeps abreast of the latest research, and supports faculty, staff, and students through its services and programs. UMBC hosts a food pantry as well as health and wellness workshops and events, expanding its role in the life of their students, and making sure that students are cared for and supported throughout their academic journey (Sanella, Shumaker, & Yohannes, 2023). Academic libraries, like libraries everywhere, are stepping in to fill the gap: to meet students where they are, to address their needs, and to see them as a whole, complicated people. Leading with compassion and empathy, academic libraries are re-inventing themselves and acknowledging and addressing the challenges that their patrons face, just as are their public and little free counterparts.

References

Mowreader, A. (2023, December 11). Report: Addressing the roots of food insecurity in higher ed. Inside Higher Ed. https://www.insidehighered.com/news/student-success/health-wellness/2023/12/11/five-factors-causing-food-insecurity-among-college

Sanella, L., Shumaker, J., & Yohannes, S. (2023). Bridging the mind and body: A case study of a mini pantry collaboration within a library. Journal of Library Outreach and Engagement 3, 92-105. https://doi.org/10.21900.j.jloe.v3.1118

Spice, L. (2019, September 6). Carroll launches food share program for students. Carrol University. https://www.carrollu.edu/articles/alumni/2019/09/carroll-launches-food-share-program-for-students

Udell, E. (2019, May 1). Food for thought: Academic libraries are fighting campus food insecurity with onsite pantries. American Libraries. https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2019/05/01/library-campus-food-insecurity-food-for-thought/

University of Maryland, Baltimore County. (n.d.). Mission and vision. Library Administrative Offices. Accessed June 25, 2025. https://library.umbc.edu/admin/

Wood, L. M. (2020). Empty shelves: How your academic library can address food insecurity. College & Research Libraries News 81(7), 322. https://doi.org/10.5860/crln.81.7.322