Today on the San Jose State campus, Second Harvest Food Bank brought 15,000 pounds of food for their mobile food pantry.
GIVE #WHEREYOULIVE: ABC7 Thanksgiving Food Drive
There are many college students in need. That's why the Second Harvest Food Bank is bringing food to students at San Jose State University this morning.
The starving college student stereotype can feel a little too real sometimes. Today on the San Jose State campus, Second Harvest Food Bank brought 15,000 pounds of food for their mobile food pantry, 10 days before Thanksgiving.
"If you're hungry and you don't know where your next meal is going to come from that's of course going to impact your ability to concentrate in the classroom and prepare for mid-terms," said Sharon Willey, SJSU enrollment services.
Food insecurity may be more widespread than you think. A 2014 survey at San Jose State revealed 20 percent of students didn't eat in a day because they didn't have enough money and 49 percent occasionally skipped a meal because of financial issues.
"It is difficult especially if you do have financial issues. I know a lot of students go out through the day without eating. It's kind of sad to get your education here and not being able to eat trying to go out throughout the day," said Megan Langga, SJSU student.
To qualify for today's mobile food pantry, people must be a current student with an annual income below $23,540. They could fill up their bags with fresh fruit, vegetables and groceries.
"I think it's definitely on your mind especially working and having to go to school and doing everything by yourself," said Vanessa Perez, SJSU student.
Join ABC7 in helping feed the Bay Area's hungry this holiday season!
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Text the word FEED to number 80077 to donate $10 to Bay Area food banks. When prompted, reply with YES to confirm the donation and have it added to your phone bill.
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VIDEO: ABC7 visits Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara, San Mateo counties