Addressing food insecurity among college students, the Office of Student Affairs at Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus (IUPUC) opened a food pantry on campus.
Harriet Armstrong is the Health and Human Sciences Educator at the Purdue Extension office in Bartholomew County. She shares, “Life for a college student has many demands on time and money. As a result, the problem of food insecurity is at times even higher than that for the state of where one in six Hoosiers face hunger or food insecurity.”
Armstrong continues, “Only one in four adults eat the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables. Poor nutritional habits and access to healthy choices can inhibit cognitive function, lower immune systems, and create other long-term health concerns. Without the proper balance of food in one’s diet, there is a greater risk of being overweight or obese which is the case with two-thirds of all Hoosier.”
Joan McCluskey is the coordinator of leadership and community service of Student Affairs at IUPUC and directed the development and opening of the food pantry. She explains that if students attend class or study while hungry, their cognitive performance is often adversely affected. Additionally, students may not know how to ask for assistance. The food pantry was established to address the issues of food insecurity. It not only provides a meal for the hungry student; it helps to ensure hunger is not inhibiting the academic success of students.
Also dealing with the issue, an IUPUC student-led initiative included a food drive during the 2016 Homecoming Week at IUPUC. Students collected over 675 items to help stock the newly developed food pantry. Collected items include canned vegetables, fruit, soup, ramen noodles, pasta and spaghetti sauce, macaroni and cheese, peanut butter, jelly, canned tuna, cereal, and snacks along with some personal hygiene items.
McCluskey held a campus-wide contest to name the food pantry and through contest submissions, the name "Pride Pantry" was selected.
The Pride Pantry is open to current students, staff, and faculty members at IUPUC. It is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from noon to 4 p.m. and by appointment outside of regular campus hours. During campus breaks, such as Spring Break and Christmas, the pantry is closed.
Guidelines to shop include a point-system. For example, if the client is the only member of their household, they are allowed 10 points per week. Most items in the food pantry are worth one point, except for large cans or more expensive items such as peanut butter and cereal. If the client household includes more than one person; the family is allowed five extra points each week. Additional points may be earned by bringing a reusable grocery bag or by volunteering at the pantry. An IUPUC ID card is required, and on the first visit, a waiver in the form of a signature is requested.
McCluskey adds that the intent is to reach individuals in need, and eliminate food insecurity on campus." Even faculty and staff may find times in their lives when things are tight. As a campus community, we are here to help each other.”
The Pride Pantry location is within the Office of Student Affairs (LC 1200). For additional information on the Pride Pantry, or to donate food items call Joan McCluskey 812.375.7534 or email joanmccl@iupuc.edu.