The cafeteria is located on the campus of Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee and is the premier venue for dining and events.
However, because the COVID-19 crisis resulted in limited access and reduced working hours, students and teachers are now making adjustments.
“We are in an area where food is dry, especially healthy food,” said Ashley Cosby, a biology student at Fisk University. “It is difficult to find healthy food near the campus.”
Usually more than 800 students come here every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Now it is only used for catching.
“I almost cried,” said Natara Gavin, vice president of Fisk University.
To help them put students through hard times, Fisk recently partnered with Kroger Grocery Stores to create a pantry and provide basic supplies.
“Because of COVID, some of our students are now unable to work, so they have the opportunity to meet their needs,” said Garvin.
Before the COVID-19 crisis, millions of Americans were food insecure, according to USDA data.
Before the pandemic, about 30% of students were faced with food insecurity. “We now know that number is even higher,” said Melissa Eds, a Kruger spokeswoman.
Kroger is committed to serving students across the country through the company’s “Zero Hunger, Zero Waste” program. It started a few years ago, but has grown rapidly due to demand during the COVID-19 crisis.
“We want to make sure students don’t have to worry about food,” AIDS said.
For students, increasing their access to food can help them achieve better academic performance.