By TENA L. COOK, Marketing Coordinator
More students utilized the Chadron State College Food Pantry during the 2021-22 academic year, according to Project Coordinator Kate Pope. A total of 847 bags, each containing about $20 of groceries, was distributed 11 times, serving 1,347 students. This was an increase from 518 bags serving 739 students the previous year.
“The increase in students using the Food Pantry solidifies the need for this resource on campus,” Pope said.
The Food Pantry moved into a dedicated space in the King Library and received increased support from various campus and community entities. With the funds Pope was able to purchase shelving to store food and a refrigerator for fresh produce, meat, and dairy products.
“The students have been impressed with the variety of fresh produce we’ve been able to offer. In the winter, the Community Cares Program grant from Northwest Community Action Partnership provided meats and dairy products, and the students were very appreciative,” Pope said.
The Food Pantry offers students either self-service or pre-packaged bags including canned fruits, vegetables, and soup, peanut butter, pasta, and a box of cereal. Fresh produce for students selecting either type of service includes three vegetables and three fruits.
During Fall 2021, several students mentioned the bags weren’t enough to get through a full month so Pope added a question to a Food Pantry Form asking if the service should be offered twice a month. When 60 percent voted in favor of the option, Pope offered a bi-weekly Food Pantry in the Spring 2022 semester.
The Food Pantry Committee, after conducting research into food pantries on other campuses, decided to start stocking personal hygiene products in the pantry in December, an addition which was well-received, according to Pope. Another area of expansion requested by students with food allergies was the addition of gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegetarian options which Pope attempts to provide when the items are available.
Pope said anonymous online student comments include expressions of gratitude and praise for the project.
“This is amazing and I am so thankful for this because I do not have a lot of money and this helps me. I think the choices are exactly what’s needed. You are doing amazing,” one student wrote.
During the summer of 2022, Pope will purchase additional shelving, storage containers, and reusable bags. Student Senate has approved $12,000 in support of the Food Pantry for 2022-23.
2021-22 Donations:
Chadron State College Student Senate ($15,000)
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Rapid City, S.D. (2,200 pounds of food)
NCAP through the Community Cares Grant (Eight boxes of fresh dairy and meat every third Tuesday of the month)
Immanuel Lutheran Church’s Shepherd’s Pantry (150 bags of non-perishables)
Education Department (130 food items)
Athletic Department (50 food items)
Residence Life Association (300 food items)
St. Patrick’s Catholic Church (Two boxes of pre-packaged soups)
Professional Staff Association Winter Canned Food Drive
Walmart ($1,500 grant)
Fall Fund Drives: ($4,100)
Many personal donations