By Nick Knight, Feed U Food Pantry intern
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[bs_col class=”col-sm-8″]The Feed U Food Pantry has been open for about a year and was started after a survey showed that 51 percent of U student survey respondents met criteria for being food insecure, meaning they lacked access to quality food. The Campus Store, Bennion Community Service Center, Center for Student Wellness, Women’s Resource Center and ASUU came together to organize and develop the on-campus food pantry that is known today as the Feed U Food Pantry.
What is the Feed U Food Pantry and what purpose does it serve?
The Feed U Food Pantry is an on-campus resource for students, staff and faculty at the University of Utah that provides a convenient location to receive free food aid and support. Life can throw many curveballs at you, especially while trying to balance an education, an evolving professional path and relationships with friends and family. We believe that the ups and downs of life should not include the worry of how you will feed yourself and your loved ones.
Who can use the pantry?
Anyone with a valid university ID number can use the pantry. The pantry is free — just come in, present your UCard, and get what you need.
Where is the pantry located?
The Feed U Pantry is located on the second floor of the Campus Store (building No. 67), just northwest of the Marriott Library.
When is the pantry open?
The pantry is open Mondays and Wednesdays, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. this semester (fall 2015). Check the website for updated hours of operation next semester.
What types of products are available at the pantry?
Cereal, canned soup, vegetables and fruit, crackers, popcorn, chips, baking mixes, pasta, non-perishable items, etc. The pantry also has laundry detergent available.
How can I contribute?
There are always opportunities to volunteer with the pantry. Unlike some volunteer opportunities, the pantry is located right on campus and does not require a lengthy time commitment. If you can only commit an hour or two of your time between classes or work once a month, that is completely fine. A volunteer sign-up form is available at feedu.utah.edu, and questions can be answered by emailing FeedUFoodPantry@gmail.com. The pantry is always accepting donations of non-perishable items from the community.
How does the pantry receive its food/products?
The pantry is partnered with the Utah Food Bank. Essentially, Feed U Pantry is a food pantry that caters specifically to the campus community of the University of Utah. Donations (no matter how big or small) from the campus community are also happily accepted.
How can I find out more about the Feed U Food Pantry?
General pantry information can be found at feedu.utah.edu. If there are any questions about pantry operations, volunteer opportunities, donating or anything else, the pantry can be reached at FeedUFoodPantry@gmail.com.
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[bs_col class=”col-sm-4″] [bs_well size=”lg”]CAN YOU HELP A BABY OUT?
Childhood hunger is experienced by 1 in 5 Utah children. Making ends meet during the holidays can be especially challenging for University of Utah families in need. From Nov. 23-Dec. 18, the Women’s Enrollment Initiative, in partnership with Child Care and Family Resources, will be collecting formula, baby food, wipes and diapers to provide student parents with financial relief this holiday season.
Parents can pick up items in the Union Art Gallery, located across from the theatre on the second floor, Dec. 7-22, on Mondays from 2-4 p.m. and Thursdays from 10 a.m.-noon, or by appointment. Appointments can be scheduled with Nedra Hotchkins, women’s education specialist, 801-585-1098, nedra.notchkins@sa.utah.edu.
Donations can be dropped off at the following locations:
ASUU Student Child Care
Alfred Emery Building, Room 106
Presidents Circle
Early Childhood Education Center
1601 University Village
East Community Center
University Kids
545 S. Guardsman Way
Located in the tailgate parking lot
School of Law lobby
380 S. 1400 E.
Child Care and Family Resources Satellite
Health Sciences Education Building, Room 2907
25 S. 2000 E.
Career Services Office
Student Services Building, third floor
201 S. 1460 E.
Veterans Support Center
Union Building, fourth floor
200 S. Central Campus Drive
Women’s Resource Center
Union Building, fourth floor
200 S. Central Campus Drive
Marriott Library lobby
295 S. 1500 E.[/bs_well][/bs_col]
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