The pandemic heightened food insecurity for families across Illinois.
Now, research is showing students on college campuses are also feeling the impact.
At the University of Illinois Springfield, they have a food pantry where students can come and get food at no cost.
Jill Hawkins-Wright, the director of the Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center at UIS, said students are tight on time and also paying for costs that come with schools like books and transportation.
UIS is seeing more and more students stop by the pantry as the pandemic continues but noticed many students still don't know about the resource.
This story aired on WICS Newschannel 20 on Sept. 16, 2021.