Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week Observed at Bowie State

Food and Housing Resources for Students Highlighted

MEDIA CONTACT: Donell Pettus, [email protected], 240-817-7870

(BOWIE, Md.) - Bowie State University addressed issues of food insecurity and shelter during the observance of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, which featured a series of programs designed to educate, engage, and inspire action among students, faculty, and the local community.

According to a national study of basic needs insecurity in higher education, 23% of undergraduates and 12% of graduate students experience food insecurity. The report cited that 8% of undergraduates and 5% of graduate students suffer from homelessness. For-profit colleges, universities, and HBCUs have the highest rates of basic needs insecurity among their students.

Loletta Osborne, a case manager in the Office of Counseling Services at Bowie State, partnered with the BSU Nutrition Lounge, which is located on the lower level of the university library, to raise awareness of the critical resources available to students struggling to afford necessities, including food and toiletries.

"Our goal is not only to provide resources but also to make students aware of who I am, highlight the services of the Nutrition Lounge, and emphasize that there are people on campus who care. I want to be active in the community and show my support," said Osborne. "I assist students applying for SNAP benefits, health insurance, and housing and help them find community providers. I am here to assist and provide for students to succeed in life and academically."

Community service opportunities during the week include the BSU Race for Service: Help the Homeless Brown Bag Program.On Friday, Nov. 22, campus community members will work together to make 200 sandwiches in 90 minutes to benefit the DC United Mission Homeless Shelter to foster solutions to hunger and homelessness.

This year marks the 8th year the BSU community has collectively assisted with providing food to those unhoused in DC, demonstrating the university's commitment to making a tangible impact in the community.

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About Bowie State University
Founded in 1865, Bowie State University is the first Historically Black College/University (HBCU) in Maryland and one of the ten oldest in the country. As a leading institution of higher learning, Bowie State offers more than 65 bachelor's, master's, doctoral and certificate programs across arts and sciences, technology, business, education, healthcare and related disciplines. The university provides high-quality and affordable educational opportunities in a supportive environment that empowers students to think critically, make new discoveries, value differences and emerge as leaders in a highly technical, rapidly changing global society. For more information about Bowie State University, visit bowiestate.edu.

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