NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Registered dietitian and Middle Tennessee State University lecturer Sarah Harris appeared on Local on 2 to discuss food insecurity and the growing need for food assistance programs across the region, including on college campuses.

A 2010 alumna of the Nutrition and Food Science program in MTSU’s College of Behavioral and Health Sciences, Harris joined WKRN host Stephanie Langston for the Sept. 17 “MTSU on 2” segment.

“A recent study at MTSU showed that as many as 54% of college students experienced food insecurity on some level, compared to around 16% of Tennesseans. College students appear to be more vulnerable due to the costs of tuition, books, housing, transportation, and food on a very limited budget,” Harris said.

Watch the segment, part of the station’s “Local on 2” programming, with host Stephanie Langston below.

Harris highlighted the importance of a campus food pantry, such as MTSU’s Lightning Stop, in helping students meet nutritional needs while balancing a busy college schedule.

MTSU’s Lightning Stop is available to all enrolled students and provides things like nonperishable food items, personal hygiene products, household essentials and other necessities.

“Students should never have to choose between buying groceries or paying their rent. Lightning Stop gives MTSU students a convenient and discreet place to get food and other essentials when they need a little extra support,” she said.

In addition to the importance of MTSU’s Lightning Stop and other local food pantries, Harris shared examples of nutrient-dense meals made from items typically found at donation centers or food pantries.

“With grocery prices up 27% since 2020, everyone is having to make their food dollars work harder. Thankfully, pantry staples like beans, canned vegetables and fruits, tuna, peanut butter, and whole grains can be combined to make nutritious and tasty meals,” Harris said.

If you would like to learn more or donate to MTSU’s Lightning Stop, visit https://www.mtsu.edu/lightningstop/.

— DeAnn Hays ([email protected])