APSU to open new food pantry for students on campus
In February, Austin Peay State University will open a food pantry for its students, believed by organizers to be the state鈥檚 first students鈥 food pantry.
Grand opening of the APSU Save Our Students (S.O.S.) food pantry will be Feb. 1. A storage closet in the Office of Student Life and Leadership located in the Morgan University Center was transformed into a food pantry over the University鈥檚 recent holiday break.
In February, Austin Peay State University will open a food pantry for its students, believed by organizers to be the state鈥檚 first students鈥 food pantry.
Grand opening of the APSU Save Our Students (S.O.S.) food pantry will be Feb. 1. A storage closet in the Office of Student Life and Leadership located in the Morgan University Center was transformed into a food pantry over the University鈥檚 recent holiday break.
The new food pantry will provide emergency nutritional assistance to students, said Alexandra Howard Wills, assistant director of service and civic engagement at APSU.
鈥淭he goal is to provide a safe space for students to get a little extra help during times of stress,鈥 she said.
APSU students must show their student I.D. to receive food from the food pantry. Additional information about the services provided on campus and in the community also will be available if students have questions. Students will fill out a user request form that will help identify their food needs, and they will receive donated items that best meet these needs.
The Food Pantry will be open from 9 a.m.-noon, Tuesdays and from noon-4 p.m., Fridays. Students can bring in their user request form during these times and pick up their food when it is ready.
Food donations 鈥 baby food, canned soup, peanut butter, crackers, canned tuna, chips, granola bars, pasta noodles, rice, popcorn and any other items with a long shelf life 鈥 are being accepted in the MUC Room 211. In addition to food donations, the food pantry needs new or used grocery bags.
Wills said the idea for a food pantry at APSU was proposed in November 2011 by two graduate students, Kaytreana Sheppard and Shannon Doss, from the social work program. They approached Student Life and Leadership about partnering to open a food pantry for students in need.
鈥淭he idea for a food pantry was met with great support from students and staff alike, and plans began to coordinate the program,鈥 she said.
For more information or to make a donation, call Wills at 931-221-7837 or email at willsa@apsu.edu. - Dr. Melony Shemberger