Campus food pantries see increased demand as students struggle with basic needs

College students across Washington are struggling with food insecurity as grocery prices rise 5.3% and rents climb. Western Washington University’s WHOLE Pantry saw demand jump from 700 to 2,400 students weekly between academic years, while a statewide survey found over half of Washington college students experience basic needs insecurity. Though campus pantries and navigators help, systemic issues like housing costs and financial aid gaps remain unsolved.