Episode One: “Your Lived Experience is Enough”
Duration: 16:17 | April 8, 2025
In this debut episode of Voices of I Am New Orleans, Xavier University juniors Sean and Meah share how they’re taking action to make sure college students don’t go without food. Through their on-campus, student-led initiative, FATE (Food Advocacy Training Education), and in partnership with the New Orleans Food Policy Action Council (FPAC), they’re empowering their peers to speak up for fair access to healthy, affordable food and working to make Xavier a hunger-free campus. From changing policies to creating on-the-ground solutions, this episode explores the real challenges students face and the powerful steps Sean and Meah are taking to ensure that no one on campus has to choose between food and their future.
Food Access: By the Numbers
- About 16% percent of Orleans Parish residents — over 62,000 people — experience food insecurity.
- Louisiana has the second highest rate of food insecurity in the nation (about 15% percent of households).
- Between 19 and 56% of college students go hungry.
- Students experiencing food insecurity have on average a GPA that’s 0.25 points lower than their food-secure peers, risking scholarships, academic standing and graduation.
- Students of color, first-generation students and student parents are at significantly higher risk of food insecurity.
Digging Deeper: Reflection Questions
- What part of this conversation did you connect with most, and why?
- Was there anything that felt surprising, confusing or made you think differently about food and access?
- How do you see youth leadership making a difference on issues like access to healthy, affordable food? What role do you think students should play in shaping solutions?
- What part of Sean and Meah’s story stood out most to you, and why? Did it challenge any assumptions you had about hunger or advocacy?
- How does food insecurity on colleges impact the larger community, and how can community members, businesses and local organizations support students?
- After hearing about the XULA FATE program and hunger-free campus movement, what changes do you think would make the biggest difference in your school or community?
Fuel for Change
Grantee Spotlight
The New Orleans Food Policy Action Council brings together residents, local organizations, businesses and communities to push for more equitable food and farming policies. Their goal is to ensure everyone has access to healthy, affordable food and that the food system works for all New Orleanians. Learn more about its programs and initiatives at nolafoodpolicy.org.