College Students Face Hunger and Homelessness

Hunger and homelessness are prevalent struggles that affect many people – including college students.

They sometimes are forced to choose between paying for basic necessities, like food and rent, and covering their college expenses. When a student’s basic needs are not being met, it can cause them to earn lower grades and potentially withdraw from school before getting their degree.

With the number of students-in-need doubling during the COVID pandemic, the State Farm decades-long history of philanthropic grant funding proved invaluable. State Farm provides charitable funds for student emergency grants for transportation, food and housing insecurity and unexpected medical bills.

“These basic life disruptions were an immediate need, while committing to finishing their programs of study took second place.” Said Shanese R. Alexander, director, Pre-Award at Dallas College.

“Due to the resources provided by the State Farm Student Emergency Aid grants, Dallas College students were able to maintain their educational journey and offset some of the challenges experienced by the pandemic.”

Gina Nolan, project director of TRIO Student Support Services at Georgia State University, said, “With State Farm support, the First-Generation Student Support Services Program was able to launch a Health & Wellness Initiative program that directly addressed the ongoing issue of food insecurities among first-generation, low-income, and disabled participants.

“State Farm's contribution gave staff the ability to partner with the Campus Café to provide a voucher system that offers healthy lunch and breakfast options for participants with limited resources, enabling them to purchase meals while learning on campus.”
 

Student testimonials

The Comet Cupboard (supported by State Farm) has helped and continues to help me in immeasurable ways. Of the many times I have utilized the services, the Cupboard, and the volunteers who man the center have never made me feel less than human. If anything, they have treated me with the utmost respect and compassion without appearing to be condescending. There are many days when if not for the Comet Cupboard and the service it offers, I would have gone without a meal. Those meals provided me the concentration need to focus on the rather demanding classes I and many other students are part of.

- Student Testimonial – The University of Texas at Dallas

The (State Farm) student emergency fund was extremely helpful to me and my wife. We had been stressed out about stretching our savings until I started my internship. The emergency fund paid for rent for us! This helped me to focus on my studies and not worry about finances as much. I can't thank you enough. We are doing well, and I am very grateful for the support provided by the student emergency fund!

- Student Testimonial – The University of Texas at Dallas