Food Prices Rise, Increasing Affordability Concerns for College Students

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that food prices increased by 2.7% over the 12 months ending in August. This rise in cost of living is contributing to increased food and housing insecurity among college students, according to a national survey from Temple University’s Hope Center, which found 59% of students experienced at least one form of basic needs insecurity. At Chico State, the Wildcat Food Pantry has seen visits more than double in recent years.

The rising cost of groceries, driven by inflation, is outpacing financial aid availability, according to staff at Chico State’s Basic Needs Center. This trend suggests that students are struggling to cover basic costs as prices increase.