No Poverty
No Poverty, represented by UN SDG 1, focuses on ending poverty in all its forms. It aims to ensure basic resources like housing, food, and education are accessible to all, reducing vulnerability to economic and social challenges. For UToledo, addressing poverty aligns with its commitment to creating a more equitable community, both on and off campus.
Key Initiatives
- Campus Food Pantry
UToledo has established a campus food pantry as part of its broader efforts to combat food insecurity among students. The pantry offers three days’ worth of food once a month to students in need, providing temporary relief to bridge the gap until their next paycheck or meal plan refill. It’s a vital resource that supports students facing financial struggles, ensuring they have access to basic nutrition. - Poverty Research and Community Outreach
The Jack Ford Urban Affairs Center at UToledo leads research initiatives focusing on poverty reduction in Toledo and Lucas County. These projects examine factors like housing affordability, education access, and cost of living to better understand local poverty dynamics and propose effective solutions. This research helps guide policy decisions, offering strategies to alleviate poverty, such as workforce development programs and targeted community partnerships. - Career Development Programs
UToledo’s Experiential Learning and Career Development Office provides job placement assistance and skill-building workshops to students. These initiatives help students secure stable employment, reducing their risk of financial hardship. By improving job prospects, the university addresses one of the core causes of poverty: unemployment and underemployment.
Achievements and Impact
- Food Security on Campus:
The on-campus food pantry has been instrumental in supporting student well-being, addressing hunger and ensuring students can focus on their studies without worrying about their next meal
- Targeted Poverty Solutions:
UToledo's research on poverty has informed local policies, supporting initiatives like job training and affordable housing projects that directly benefit low-income communities in Toledo and beyond.
Why It Matters
Addressing poverty is essential for creating a fair and just society. UToledo’s efforts not only provide immediate relief to those facing economic hardship but also empower students and community members to achieve financial stability. These initiatives support AASHE STARS criteria and align with UN SDG 1, emphasizing sustainable development that ensures everyone has the opportunity to thrive.