Student Highlights the Link Between Food Security and Fair Second Chances

UNION, KY / ACCESS Newswire / December 22, 2025 / University student and aspiring attorney Sophia Rosing is calling for increased public awareness and community support for two issues she believes are strongly connected: food insecurity and the challenges individuals face after leaving the justice system. Through her weekly volunteer work at the food bank and her growing interest in prisoner rights, Rosing is encouraging others to take simple steps that make a meaningful difference.

"Small actions matter. Helping families get food for the week seems simple, but it makes a real difference," Rosing said. "When people do not have access to basic needs, everything else becomes harder. Success starts with stability."

The need is significant. According to Feeding America, more than 49 million Americans lived in food-insecure households in 2022. In Ohio alone, nearly 1 in 8 residents struggles to access enough food. At the same time, the Prison Policy Initiative reports that over 600,000 individuals return from incarceration every year, many of whom face barriers to employment, housing, and support systems. Studies show that people with a stable food source are far less likely to return to jail or prison.

Rosing says these issues overlap more than most people realize.

"When someone is trying to rebuild their life after incarceration, they often start with nothing. If they cannot afford food, how are they supposed to focus on finding work or rebuilding trust with their family," she said. "We talk a lot about second chances, but second chances only work when basic needs are met."

Her interest in advocacy grew from personal conversations and service work. She recalls meeting a woman during a donation drive who had recently returned home after serving time.

"She told me she felt like she had to prove herself every single day," Rosing said. "That stuck with me. It made me realize how much pressure people face when they try to start over."

Rosing believes community involvement is a powerful, practical solution. Growing up in Kentucky in a big family, she learned the value of showing up for others. Her parents modeled steady work and service in their daily lives. Those lessons shaped her belief that community change begins with individual effort.

"Success is not just about achievements. It is about lifting others with you," Rosing said. "My volunteer work keeps me grounded. It reminds me that everyone has a story and everyone has needs. If we want safer and healthier communities, we have to support people at their most vulnerable points."

As she prepares to pursue law school, Rosing hopes to build a career centered on fairness and rehabilitation. But she also stresses that people do not need a legal degree to make an impact.

Rosing encourages individuals and families to take small steps that support stability and second chances in their own communities.

She suggests:

  • Volunteering at a local foodbank or community pantry

  • Donating shelf-stable food, hygiene items, or winter clothing

  • Supporting reentry programs with time or resources

  • Listening to the stories of people who are trying to rebuild

  • Encouraging local businesses to hire returning citizens

  • Learning about food insecurity and sharing awareness with others

"You do not have to fix the whole system," Rosing said. "But you can always help one more person get through one more week. That is where real change starts."

For those who want to support a food bank or learn more about reentry needs in their community, local organizations provide easy ways to get involved through volunteering, donating, or advocacy.

About Sophia Rosing

Sophia Rosing graduated Cum Laude from University. She is the youngest of a family of seven, and she is committed to service, volunteering, and a future career in law focused on advocacy and prisoner rights. She is driven by the belief that true success comes from lifting others, strengthening communities, and creating fair opportunities for people rebuilding their lives.

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SOURCE: Sophia Rosing



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