Introduction

This study explores whether foods available at campus food pantries can affect the cultural and social environment of the food retailing spaces around the campus and neighborhood community—an analysis of 75 college food pantries between 2019–2023 and a case study analysis. The lived experience of students impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, participating in school, and meeting the needs of their undergraduate or graduate educational goals contributed to their higher learning outcomes when they experienced challenges with finding food that met their individual dietary needs on and off campus. While the food sources of many pantries were close to securing a food supply for immediacy, the long-term consequences of food insecurity continue to affect students’ academic performance and sense of belonging in campus communities.