Special Matching Funds Available: The first $3,000 in gifts to the AS Food Pantry will be matched dollar for dollar by Kris and Doug Ilgenfritz!
The Associated Students is trying to raise money to expand WWU’s food pantry. There are two locations: one in Birnam Wood, and one in the Viking Union. They are open to all students. The VU location is running with pre-prepared meals and snacks; and the Birnam Wood location operates on a kit style.
Studies have shown that nearly a quarter of all university students nationwide face some kind of food insecurity. While we are planning on stocking the food pantry with instant lunch options, the money raised in this fundraiser will go towards buying perishable food items and healthier food options. We have been partnering with the AS Outback Farm to bring fresh produce to students on campus through pop up stands in Red Square.
Even if students can afford basic food, it’s sometimes difficult for them to get to the store. The most accessible grocery store close to campus, Haggen, is also one of the more expensive in Bellingham. If students can take the bus to Fred Meyer or Winco, they then have to carry all their groceries back with them. Having several accessible food pantry locations on campus will be much easier for students since they’re on campus almost every day.
The money from this request would go towards stocking food in the pantry. The VU location is already up and running. A survey done with Birnam Wood students has indicated that 68% of students living there would use the food pantry or direct a friend to use it.
This is something that will benefit many students. The above survey indicated that a majority of students at least knew someone else facing food insecurity. This will be a way for them to help their fellow students. People want to help each other. It’s a great project to support because it has the potential to benefit so many people. Even if we don’t make our goal, the money will still be used to buy food for students that need it. A donation of $5 could help alleviate a student’s food insecurity for a day.
