On-Campus Food Pantry Tackles Food Insecurity

The food pantry on campus is provided by the Office of Women’s Development for students who are struggling to provide food for themselves. 

 

“Don’t go to bed hungry if you don’t have to” is written on the promotional posters for the food pantry. 

 

“The food pantry was created a year ago by the intern from last year,” said Tatyahna Costello, the Office of Women’s Development intern. “The office was hearing about food insecurity on campus and how college students were struggling to pay for meals and dining points running out.”

 

Although the food pantry started really small in it’s beginnings, Costello said it has grown a lot this year. “About seven to ten people per week come in and use the food pantry,” she said. 

 

Costello noted the largest problem with food insecurity on campus is the stigma around students saying they need help. 

 

“There’s a big stigma in saying you don’t have enough money or have food and people really struggle with coming in,” said Costello. 

 

The Office has heard affirmations from Resident Advisors (RA’s) that students have problems with this issue. Their goal is to both decrease this stigma and also allows students to get the food they need. 

 

One of their next potential steps is to take advantage of the opportunity they have with their connections to RA’s. “We’re trying to find ways to partner with RA’s where they could keep stuff from the food pantry in their area students could come and use since we know they connect more personally with them,” said Costello.

 

Another step the Office of Women’s Development is taking for the future is to integrate toiletries into the pantry. 

 

“We’ve also had a lot of students come in and ask about toiletries involving the food pantry,” Costello said. “That is a direction we are trying to move in as well. We are hoping that includes finding ways for people to donate toiletries if students need deodorant, toothpaste or toothbrushes.”

 

“We really just care about the students’ well-being on campus and being a sense of community for them and a point of contact to give other resources in a way that’s beneficial to them,” said Costello. 

 

The food pantry is open Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m for students to visit. 

 

Food insecurity affects every college and university campus. According to the College and University Food Bank Alliance, they have alliances with over 700 university food pantries to fight hunger on campus. 

 

A study in 2017 revealed that 36% of university students and 42% of community college students struggle with food insecurity. 

 

Costello extended an invitation to any and all students to come to the Office of Women’s Development. 

 

“The Office of Women’s Development is here to serve more than just women, but also men as well,” Costello said. “If you come in and you’re having a hard day, you can talk to one of us so we can be here as someone who can listen to you.”

 

The Office does not only have a food pantry. They provide tampons and pads in the on-campus bathrooms. They also connect with the counseling center and the health center. 

 

Events from the Office of Women’s Development are held throughout the school year as well, including Denim Day and the Clothesline Project, which is about domestic violence. They also host Stand Up For Your Sister which deals with sexual assault.