Aug. 28, 2024

Ferris State’s new Bulldog Pantry aims to help students challenged by food insecurity, boosting academic success

Ferris State University leaders are opening an expanded food pantry in response to a campus survey where nearly half the respondents said food insecurity was a barrier to their academic success. 

The Bulldog Pantry celebrated the new facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Aug. 28, in room 115 of the David L. Eisler Center, 805 Campus Drive. 

Dean of Student Life Lina Blair said the new center, which will include store shelving and cooler units, is a judgement-free response to the survey of student concerns.  

“We hope students are comfortable asking for help, knowing that we will have their back,” Blair said. “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.” 

Josh Olszewski, coordinator of the Center for Student Involvement, said food is available for enrolled students for free, though they will be asked to complete an online form. That’s a verification requirement from Feeding America West Michigan, a partner that donates much of the food.  

The pantry will be open several days a week, with hours available here.  

“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,” he said. “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.”  

Student workers will staff the Bulldog Pantry, answering customer questions about the pantry access registration process. 

Assisting with student food insecurity has been the Bulldog Basic Needs Alliance’s focus. Administrative assistant Maggie Walcott is alliance’s co-chair, and said there are many positives for students in this development. 

“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,” Walcott said. “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.”  

Associate Dean of Student Life Nicholas Campau said the Pantry’s attributes are functional and student-friendly with its location and space use. 

“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,” Campau said. “While we lose some lounge space, the pantry is presented very intentionally. We expect it will have a great impact on our students.” 

Blair said the Bulldog Basic Needs Alliance’s fundraising support for the pantry will help keep food on the shelves, along with significant contributions from the Student Government Association and an allocation from the university budget. 

“Feeding America’s nominal $1 a pound charge helps us have products to offer when students visit,” Blair said. “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.”