The Madison College food pantry is expanding — including new pantry shelving, storage solutions, emergency food lockers, and a refrigerator to distribute items and produce from the Madison College Garden and the Madison Area Food Pantry Gardens — to help support a growing number of food-insecure students on campus.
This upgraded facility also features a Student Wellness Center dedicated to health and wellness programming.
“We are going to have many more opportunities to help students, carry more items at the pantry, and be a more welcoming space,” said Peer Health Educator Riley Conklin in a press release announcing the expansion. In addition to increased physical capacity, the pantry plans to introduce an e-pantry initiative, allowing students to order necessary food and personal care items for convenient access, according to a press release from Madison College.
Last year, the pantry helped nearly 1,600 students and distributed more than 20,000 pounds of food and household supplies, according to Denise Holin, a student advisor and pantry coordinator.
As inflation and rising rents contribute to food insecurity among students and their families, the Madison College Foundation has launched a Meals Appeal Campaign, matching donations up to $20,000 until May 12. “The hard truth is that when students’ money for food runs out, it hinders their ability to perform their best,” said Bryan Woodhouse, Madison College Foundation vice president of development. “We want to ensure students aren’t denied educational success due to a lack of food and other essential items.”
The expanded Madison College Cupboard Student Food Pantry will be available to all students. Students can access 10 pounds of food weekly and health and nutrition information. Donate to the Madison College Foundation Meals Appeals Campaign by clicking here.
