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 -battl e-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-skel eton-in-the-university-closet_march2011.pdf

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

______________________________________ ____________________

Jennifer Davis, Vice President and Chair Date

Associated Students, SJSU