CAFS Cura Overview (Williams and Gillis) May 2010 (Final)
Resolution Student Hunger Final
1. Associated Students, SJSU, Board of Directors’ Resolution ________
Resolution in Support of Student Hunger Initiatives
Whereas, The Associated Students of San José State University is the official
representative body and voice of SJSU’s nearly 33,000 students and is
entrusted to represent the best interest of our students and Associated
Students staff; and
Whereas, The mission of Associated Students of San José State University is to
continually improve the quality of students’ educational opportunities and
experiences; and
Whereas, Students who are food insecure have a higher risk for poor class
performance, and may be more emotionally stressed1; and
Whereas, A Fall 2014 SJSU survey comprised of 5,000 undergraduate and graduate
students indicated that 43% of students recently skipped or cut the size of
meals due to lack of funds, 35% reported choosing between buying food and
basic living and academic expenses, and 40% reported they would use any
food resources available on campus2; and
Whereas, A 2014 study "Addressing Student Homelessness and Hunger" by the
Education Advisory Board, of which SJSU was a participating organization,
delineated best practices and approaches to these issues; and
Whereas, Over 100 other US college campuses, including those within the California
State University and University of California systems have documented an
increased prevalence of food insecurity among college students and are
working to address the issue by creating food pantries and providing other
resources for students34; and
1 http://jn.nutrition.org/content/135/12/2831.long
2 http://www.sjsu.edu/wellness/foodresources/Survey%20Data.pdf
3 http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/more-college-students-battle-hunger-as-education-and-
living-costs-rise/2014/04/09/60208db6-bb63-11e3-9a05-c739f29ccb08_story.html
4 http://www.kddietetics.com/images/student-food-insecurity-the-skeleton-in-the-university-
closet_march2011.pdf
2. Whereas The Student Hunger Committee, comprised of SJSU faculty, staff,
community members, and Associated Students of San José State University
have begun to implement initiatives to address student hunger including
donation boxes at Spartan Shops' venues to support the Food for Students
Fund; a Food Pantry Party; and several "floating pantries" around campus;
therefore be it
Resolved, That Associated Students, San José State University, recognizes the
important issue of student hunger among SJSU students and strongly
supports initiatives that will reduce food insecurity among students; and be it
further
Resolved, That Associated Students understands that solving food insecurity among
SJSU students will require creativity, teamwork, and different approaches,
including, but not limited to 1) university-wide recognition that food
insecurity is a real and current problem among students; 2) recognition that
the dialogue around the issue of food insecurity needs to be respectful and
that students' rights to privacy need to be protected; 3) developing viable and
sustainable solutions such as a centralized "Food Resource Center" that
includes access to food, financial counseling, CalFresh (SNAP or Food
Stamp) resources and other nutrition education materials; and 4) promoting
the Food for Students Fund throughout the campus community and beyond;
and be it further
Resolved, That Associated Students will make this document public and will forward
this resolution to all affected parties, including: CSU Chancellor Timothy
White, SJSU President Mohammad Qayoumi, Vice President for Student
Affairs Renee Barnett Terry, Provost and Vice President for Academic
Affairs Andy Feinstein, Chair of Academic Senate Lynda Heiden, Academic
Senate, Chair of Campus Planning Board Mark Van Selst, and the Spartan
Daily.
Respectfully Submitted by:
A.S. Director of Student Rights & Responsibilities, Victor Hernandez
Passed and Adopted by the Associated Students of San José State University
Board of Directors at a regular meeting held ____________by a vote of
__-Yea __-Nay __-Abstention __-Absent
