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On-Campus Food Pantry Continues Mission to Serve Students

Students Cody Mazzurana and Mikaela Leyva are leading efforts to support TLU's on-campus food pantry with a mission to decrease food insecurity so their peers can thrive academically, physically, and mentally.

Over the years, food insecurity has been a concern for students and their peers. While there have been locations across campus that provided food in an unofficial capacity, students wanted to establish a centralized location. The Student Government Association adopted the food pantry as an initiative in May 2022, and the pantry had a soft opening on September 2, 2022 in Clifton Hall.

During operating hours, the pantry averages at least 10 students and 60 pounds of food and supplies distributed per day. Since opening in September 2022, the pantry has provided 2,990 pounds of food to 673 student visitors.

Established pantries are a staple on many college campuses and having a well supported and well funded operation at TLU will strengthen and expand the student experience. Helping fellow Bulldogs is a passion for Mazzurana who plans on a career in university student affairs.

"When I started volunteering last semester, I realized there were a number of students facing food insecurity on campus and volunteering is my way of helping out," he said. "If students don't have to worry about going without a meal, that helps them focus more academically. I encourage the entire campus community to volunteer so we can make sure it's open for longer hours which increases the amount of students we can serve."

Mazzurana, a Business Administration major and co-President of the TLU chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success, is also focused on ending the stigma around asking for help when it comes to food insecurity.

"We've seen students who aren't comfortable asking for help and we've tried to change this by making the pantry an open and inviting space," he said. "We are also helping to educate people about the many programs they can apply for and use as college students. One way we are trying to do this is by bringing those types of resources like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) directly to campus."

TLU Food Pantry Hours

If students would like to visit the pantry outside of operating hours, they can email Director of Campus Activities & Student Engagement Andella Janicek to coordinate a more convenient time. There is no cost associated with receiving items from the pantry.

Donations

If you are interested in donating, please use this online giving option and designate your donation to the TLU Food Pantry. Currently, the pantry is most in need of nonperishable microwaveable meals and personal hygiene products like body soap or shampoo/conditioner. You can drop off these or any donations in the Student Engagement Office located in the Alumni Student Center next to the Post Office window