An Ohio University task force convened in February 2026 has issued recommendations aimed at reducing food insecurity among international graduate students, according to the Athens County Independent. The panel proposed expanding transportation services, revising hiring practices, exploring new housing options and adopting new culinary practices.
The recommendations followed a survey by Ohio University's Sustainable Living Hub. That survey found that 65% of responding international graduate students would be considered food insecure under U.S. Department of Agriculture classifications.
Sustainable Living Hub Coordinator Kyle Butler, who authored the survey, attributed the problem to several overlapping factors, including isolation, low pay, language barriers and limited access to familiar foods. He said finances were the leading driver, cited by 72% of food-insecure respondents.
Some steps have already been taken. The Independent describes a catering food rescue program and refrigerated food lockers in Alden Library for the Cats' Cupboard pantry among the measures. OU interim vice president for Student Affairs Kathy Fahl said the pantry also shares recipes. A separate early arrival housing program served 25 students this year, Fahl said.
Haley Duschinski, director of the School of International Studies and Languages, said this year's International Student Orientation included local food pantry and free meal program sessions, plus an Aug. 15 trip to the Athens Farmers Market.
Broader context: a Southeast Ohio Foodbank report cited by the Independent found about 18% of Athens County residents are food insecure, above the 15.3% statewide and 13.7% national rates. Athens bus service does not run on weekends, a long-standing access barrier. The task force suggested working with HAPCAP on busing and GoBus on a more frequent Columbus route. Athens Mayor Steve Patterson's promised Saturday service would return in 2028 after a May income tax increase passed by 10 votes.