Everybody Eats

FUELING HEALTH AND SUPERIOR PATIENT CARE

At Washington State University, we know how to prepare students for in-demand careers in veterinary medicine. We know how to educate tomorrow’s veterinarians, including trauma specialists, surgeons, cancer specialists, and infectious disease experts. We know how to train tomorrow’s professionals to improve the health and lives of animals and the people who interact with them. We also know that none of that is possible when students go hungry.

A DEMANDING CALLING: THE COST OF A DVM

Veterinary students often work 40 to 80 hours per week, juggling academic coursework, clinical rotations, and the pressures of patient care. With such a demanding schedule, it can be challenging to prioritize healthy eating habits. In fact, in our own college, multiple students have reported going 12-14 hours without food during shifts. 

The challenge extends beyond hectic schedules. Food insecurity is a growing concern in veterinary medicine owing to financial insecurities. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the average veterinary school debt is around $190,000, with some
students reporting debt loads exceeding $300,000. 

In a profession where burnout, stress, financial strain, and long hours are the norm, hunger shouldn’t be a factor. Providing students immediate access to nutritious options isn’t a perk—it’s essential.