A campus-wide initiative aimed at raising awareness of student food insecurity has been launched at the University of North Dakota (UND). The second annual Pack the Pantry Campus Challenge encourages university members to contribute to the Food for Thought Food Pantry, which provides essential food items to those in need. According to Kristi Okerlund, the director of student involvement and parent programs, supporting students in maintaining their basic needs is crucial for their academic success.
The inaugural Pack the Pantry challenge took place last year, yielding significant results. Participants donated a total of 3,594 items and raised $4,325 in online contributions. This year’s challenge commenced on February 19, 2024, and will conclude on March 5, 2024. The current campaign has already surpassed last year’s participation, with 17 teams involved, compared to 14 in the previous year.
As of February 26, 2024, the leading teams include Hunger Heroes, which represents housing and residence life staff, Alphabet Soup from Chester Fritz Library, and McCANnel Hall. Hunger Heroes has contributed 448 pantry items, while Alphabet Soup has gathered 66 items along with $310 in donations. McCANnel Hall has reported 355 items collected.
Addressing Food Insecurity Among Students
The challenge aligns with the College of Nursing and Professional Disciplines’ strategic plan, which emphasizes community outreach. Maridee Shogren, the dean of the college, expressed her concern for students facing hunger, stating, “From a mom perspective, it breaks my heart to think that there are students who are hungry.” She highlighted the difficulties students encounter when trying to focus on their studies without adequate nutrition.
Okerlund noted that essential items such as white rice, vegetable oil, toilet paper, and laundry detergent tend to disappear quickly from the pantry’s shelves. Unique items tend to go even faster, showcasing the community’s responsiveness to new donations.
The Pack the Pantry challenge also features a presentation series aimed at raising awareness about food insecurity at UND. The Feeding Futures Presentation, held on February 26, 2024, included discussions led by students and faculty regarding the challenges of food insecurity. Jeffrey Anvari-Clark, an assistant professor of social work, suggested various solutions, including emergency food stipends, a food endowment fund, and universal campus meals.
Anvari-Clark pointed out that while high school students are often shielded from budgeting for their meals, college students face the expectation of managing their own food costs while also concentrating on their studies. He emphasized the need for support systems to help students navigate these challenges.
The ongoing Pack the Pantry challenge at UND reflects a collective effort to ensure that no student goes hungry, reinforcing the importance of community support in education. The initiative not only aims to surpass last year’s contributions but also fosters a sense of solidarity among students, faculty, and staff in addressing food insecurity on campus.
