MINNEAPOLIS (LEARFIELD) – A basic needs survey of 28 Minnesota State colleges and universities has found a few troubling trends.

The survey shows 37-percent of respondents were food insecure in the prior 30-days, 48-percent were housing insecure in the previous year, and 18 percent experienced homelessness during the previous year.

“It is particularly difficult for students who are hungry or who do not have a place to live,” said Malhotra. “Our colleges and universities have been very proactive in implementing programs and making resources available, but clearly much more needs to be done.”

Malhotra says this will require strong partnerships within the community.