As the Thanksgiving Holiday is upon us, many colleges use the week to host meals or community events to support students who are near or on campus. But reviews of Highline College show a shocking trend: Despite many students relying on campus resources for meals, none are offering Thanksgiving week events or food support this year. 

This absence is striking in light of recent changes in food stamp accessibility, which increases the pressure on students who already struggle to afford groceries. For many people, holidays only magnify these gaps. With campus closures and limited transit schedules, essential resources become harder to reach. 

Expressing disappointment from the “Reclaiming the Narrative: The Truth They Never Taught Us About Thanksgiving Event” being cancelled, one student shared:  “As a student coming in from out of state, with no ability to travel, and no contact with my family – it would’ve been really nice to have [Thanksgiving]…on my campus in which I consider my community.” 

At Highline College, students have already been voicing concerns about food insecurity and campus politics. Recent coverage on the issues within the Executive Cabinet to talk of Financial Aid limiting student success have highlighted tensions around transparency and distribution of student resources. 

For students already facing food insecurity these gaps mean essential resources are often left uncertain, forcing students to navigate narrow windows of availability or travel farther off campus for food access. This affects students beyond hunger, it influences their ability to focus on coursework – conflicting with their participation in campus life. 

One example of these challenges is the Highline Food Bank. The service is heavily relied on by students and is a growing demand, but only open twice a week with restricted hours. For students balancing jobs and responsibilities, this can be next to impossible for food access. 

The lack of Thanksgiving week events create a broader issue: Food security depends on how campuses prioritize students’ needs. Choices about policies ultimately shape the level of support that students rely on. As the holiday break begins, many students face the contradiction that Thanksgiving is widely celebrated, yet the systems meant to support them struggle’s to meet their basic needs. Addressing these gaps requires intentional planning and consistent support. Ensuring that all students have reliable access to food year round.  

Fortunately, there are some resources available for students in the Highline College area, though access is limited. The Highline Community Pantry, located on campus in Building 16, Room 180, offers food for any student with an Highline ID on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. It is closed Thanksgiving Day.  

While these resources provide support, the limited hours highlight the ongoing challenges students face when they need it the most. Thanksgiving week, in particular, emphasizes the need for campuses to plan more proactively. Prioritizing food resources can ensure that no student goes hungry, even during the holidays. 

For a broader selection, the Highline Area Food Bank serves the community with no proof income required. Operating on Tuesdays from noon to 2:30 p.m. and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Students can also access support through Des Moines Area Food Bank, which also partners with Highline College for additional assistance.