RICHMOND, Ky. — Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) is tackling food insecurity on its campus and in its community.

While many students have several dining options, dining on campus is out of senior Kera Flynn's pocket. Even as a busy student working multiple jobs, she said it can be difficult to afford fresh food. 

“I know it (can) be very hard, using your last penny to buy a sandwich at the store because I face some insecurity myself a few times," Flynn said. "But now, I'm getting back on track with my finances ... I have to have three jobs to get through the month.”

Steve Caudill, chief of auxiliary services, said it can be a challenge for some students to get through the week.

"If they don't have a meal plan, then they may have issues with food security," Caudill said. "If they're on the minimum meal plan and they only have Monday through Friday food options, then on Saturday and Sunday, they may be food insecure.” 

It's why educators Amanda Green and Abigail Hickey sought community input last spring to solve issues on their campus. 

By next fall, EKU will be one of 18 schools across the Midwest region working with Aramark hospitality to accept SNAP benefits as payment. 

“We've always been trying to think about more ways to serve our students because not all of them live on our campus,” Caudill said. “Not all of them want to go to the food bank if they need that."

While EKU has three P.O.D. markets on its campus, the program will start at the student center market. 

“It's easy and fast," Flynn said. "Sometimes the lines for the restaurants all over campus can be pretty long, so you can come in here between classes, grab what you need and you can go."

Flynn said she hopes the program will be a game-changer for students looking to dine on campus.