As hunger persists, Eastern Michigan University's Swoop's Food Pantry has put out a call to arms, rallying the community with a food drive to bolster its dwindling resources. According to ClickOnDetroit, the campus pantry is experiencing a sharp upswing in demand, doubling the number of student visitors to an average of up to 100 daily. The Stock Swoop’s Shelves food drive, which runs from March 4 to March 22, is the university's most recent push to keep pace with this growing need.
The surge in use signals how Swoop's Pantry has become an indispensable asset for food security among the student body. "The increased demand highlights the crucial role Swoop’s Pantry plays in providing food security for our student population," Nick Pomante, a member of the Swoop Food Pantries Advisory Board, said in a statement obtained by EMU Today. Notably, the pantry's support extends beyond students to university staff members in possession of a valid EMU ID.
Emphasis during the campaign has been placed on both food and non-food essentials. The pantry lists rice, pasta, condiments, canned proteins, and personal hygiene products among the most-needed items, which reflects a comprehensive approach to combat the varied challenges faced by those in need. The pantry entrusts the community's altruism to stay operational, leaning on in-kind donations from organizations such as Food Gatherers and the collective effort of local residents and students, as reported by ClickOnDetroit.
With creativity being encouraged for the drive, themes like "Taco Night" or "Baby Items" have been suggested to inspire participants. ""We are calling on everyone, who cares about our students to join the 'Stock Swoop’s Shelves’ movement," stated Paul Leigton, another member of the Swoop Food Pantries Advisory Board, in a statement featured by EMU Today. Monetary donations and non-perishable food items can be submitted through the pantry's website, which also hosts an Amazon wishlist for those looking to contribute specific goods.
Impactful participation is not limited to individual efforts, as Swoop's Pantry extends an invitation to university departments and student organizations to take an active role in the drive. "EMU students really appreciate the donations that allow easy access to nutritious food so they can focus on their education," Roya Herrle, a Graduate Assistant at Swoop’s Pantry, expressed in a piece by Eastern Echo. The drive remains a testament to how a campus and community can unite to uplift those among them in dire straits.
