A campus-wide study done by freshman business major Jenee Carlson has found that 96 percent of respondents said they had been food insecure one or more times this semester, and 45 percent of respondents said they had been aware of another student being food insecure.

The survey defined food insecurity as consistent access to adequate food being limited by a lack of money and other resources throughout the year. The anonymous survey was open to students, faculty and staff March 3-31.

Carlson’s survey was part of her participation in Research Rookies, which allows students to practice research in their field of study. Carlson studied food needs in order to reduce hunger on campus.

Of the responses, 74 percent came from students, while the other 26 percent were responses from faculty and staff. Of the respondents, 67 percent said they would use the Huskies Student Food Pantry.

The Huskies Student Food Pantry, 401 Normal Road, provides non-perishable, supplemental food and other necessities for NIU students who do not qualify for food assistance, according to its website.

Carlson presented her findings Tuesday at Undergraduate Research and Artistry Day. She received the idea for the project from her mentor Dennis Barsema, alumnus management for the College of Business.

“I chose my research project on food insecurity because I told [Barsema] why I chose business, and he led me to the food pantry because that was a way to help my peers,” Carlson said.

Carlson said she chose to major in business because she wanted to help people with her own non-profit business. She also hopes to help solve social issues once she gets closer to pursuing a career.

Carlson said Barsema guided her along the way, provided her with a ton of support, and her Newman Civic Fellows Award recognition would not have happened without him.

The Newman Civic Fellows Award honors inspirational college student leaders who have demonstrated hard work to finding solutions for situations facing their campus, according to the Campus Compact website.

Carlson was recommended by NIU President Doug Baker for the Newman Civic Fellows Award on April 1 for her Research Rookie project on food insecurity.

“I received an email informing me that I received the award, and I was super flattered because I know there are a lot of kids at NIU who do as much work as I do,” Carlson said. “I serve at the Huskies Student Food Pantry whenever it is open, and I did a campus live survey.”

Now, Carlson is volunteering at the food pantry to work toward addressing hunger on campus.

“I hope to expand the pantry to make it so we can sustain more students,” Carlson said. “Hopefully, with awareness, we can help as many students.”

The Huskies Student Food Pantry will be open 5:30-7:30 p.m. today. Students must present a valid OneCard to access the pantry.