Ferris State University opens expanded food pantry on campus

The leadership at Ferris State University has come together to open an expanded food pantry on campus. This comes after a campus wide survey where almost half of those who responded noted that food insecurity was an obstacle to their success at school.

A ribbon cutting ceremony for The Bulldog Pantry took place on Wednesday, August 28 at the David L. Eisler Center, 805 Campus Drive, in room 115. 

In an article posted on Ferris State University’s website, the Dean of Student Life, Lina Blair, was quoted about the new student pantry, saying, “We hope students are comfortable asking for help, knowing that we will have their back. Food insecurity is often the tip of the iceberg of barriers our students face. We are here to help ease the burden so they can focus on being a Bulldog and continue to work toward their goal of graduation.” 

She noted that the pantry will have cooler units and store shelving, and will act as a judgment free zone for the students who utilize it.

The coordinator of the Center for Student Involvement, Josh Olszewski, also noted that enrolled students will have access to the food in the pantry for free; however, they will be asked to complete a form online first. This is because Feeding America West Michigan, a partner donating most of the food, has a verification requirement.

The pantry will be open to enrolled students every day of the week, with operating hours available to see here.

Olszewski also noted that Feeding America West Michigan is largely responsible for the available food, saying, “Students will have to adjust along with us what Feeding America West Michigan delivers, but that will include meat or cans or bottles of pop, along with jelly, dry cereal, and other basic food items. Currently enrolled students can fill two paper bags once a week. We are looking forward to getting input on what kinds of foods would be best, hoping students understand our distribution system has certain limits.”  

The Bulldog Pantry will be staffed by student workers, who will also be able to answer questions about the registration process to get access to registration.

Maggie Walcott, who serves as an Administrative Assistant, and is also the Bulldog Basic Needs Alliance’s co-chair, noted that assisting with student food insecurity is the main focus of the alliance. She also noted that this new development presents many benefits to Ferris’ students: “When the Bulldog Basic Needs Alliance was presented with an opportunity to start a full-scale pantry on our campus, we knew we couldn’t pass it up. We have enjoyed the opportunity to work with our friends at the Wesley House over the years, but having the pantry both on our campus and in a building as widely recognized as the Eisler Center is an amazing demonstration of how Ferris State University cares about our students, and we put that care front and center.”  

Nicholas Campau, who serves as the Associate Dean of Student Life, talked about the student friendly attributes and locations of the new pantry, saying, “Room 115 in the David L. Eisler Center checked a lot of boxes with easy access to parking, being on the same level as the loading dock, offering high visibility and an easy ‘find,’ near accessible restrooms, and the limited work it required for conversion. While we lose some lounge space, the pantry is presented very intentionally. We expect it will have a great impact on our students.” 

Blair went on to note that the Bulldog Basic Needs Alliance’s fundraising efforts to stock the pantry will be assisted with large contributions from an allocation from the university budget as well as funds from the Student Government Association.

“Feeding America’s nominal $1 a pound charge helps us have products to offer when students visit. The Ferris Foundation will have an online donation mechanism available very soon. Folks can also co-sponsor food drive and drop off donations at the Bulldog Pantry, or volunteer to help unload shipments and stock our shelves,” said Blair.

More information about Ferris State University can be found on the school’s website here.