Student Food Pantry continues distributions following coronavirus guidelines
The student food pantry has reopened for the fall semester despite coronavirus difficulties and has made it a top priority to remain open for any student who needs it.
Despite complications from COVID-19, the pantry expects to fill the same amount of orders as previous years.
"Yes, there are fewer people on campus, but the need is going to be higher because the pandemic has been going on for so long at this point it's becoming an increasing problem low-income families and students." said graduate student Abigail Claes, an employee for the food pantry.
After classes went fully online last semester, the food pantry was forced to shut down like many other services. Claes said that won't happen again, even if classes go fully online this semester.
To follow health and safety guidelines, food pantry employees work in separate groups and prohibit access of non-employees into the pantry. Employees can even work virtually.
Students will now do their food pantry shopping online by filling out food insecurity online request forms. Students can order a variety of meal types including vegan and gluten-free.
Additionally, a campus dining program will give 10 meal swipes to eligible students. However, $1 meals in The Down Under are suspended for the time being.
The weekly distributions are Tuesdays 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesdays 3 to 5 p.m. and Fridays from noon to 2 p.m. The Student Food Pantry is located beneath the North Campus Success Center.
Students can learn more about the student food pantry and related resources on CMU's website under food insecurity resources.
