The IUPUC Pride Pantry continues to be a supplemental resource for its students, staff, and faculty on campus. The Office of Student Affairs opened the pantry in 2016 to address the issue of food insecurity among college students.
Feeding America, a national nonprofit network of food banks, estimated, “nearly half (49.3 percent) of its clients in college must choose between educational expenses (i.e., tuition, books and supplies, rent) and food annually, and that 21 percent did so for a full 12 months.” (www.higheredtoday.org)
Little to no access to healthy food causes extreme amounts of stress, inhibits cognitive function, and lowers the immune system. The Pride Pantry was established to help combat these issues, and ensure hunger is not hindering the academic success of students.
Bailey Moss, the new coordinator of leadership and community service for student affairs, is excited to be a part of this important initiative and seeks to continue to develop the pantry. She explains that currently, the pantry is undergoing a makeover. Students are encouraged to come help volunteer to reorganize the space to create more room for food and hygiene items. Students can sign up to volunteer here.
It is also important to note that clients are welcome to come to the pantry for any reason, even just for lunch or an emergency hygiene item.
Guidelines to shop include a point system. If the client lives in a single-person household, they are allowed 10 points per week. If the client household includes more than one person, the family is allowed 15 points per week. Additional points may be earned by bringing a reusable grocery bag or by volunteering at the pantry. Most items are worth 1 point, but some family sized items are worth more. An IUPUC card is required, and on the first visit, a waiver must be signed.
“College is difficult,” Bailey, states, “The last thing anyone should need to be stressed about is hunger. Student Affairs hopes to ease that burden for anyone on our campus who may need a bit of help.”
The Pride Pantry is located in the Office of Student Affairs (LC 1200). It is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and by appointment outside of normal business hours. For additional information on the Pride Pantry, or to donate non-perishable items, contact Bailey Moss at bkmoss@iupuc.edu, or call 812.375.7504.