The stereotype of the “starving college student” brings to mind a desk drawer full of ramen noodles and a mini refrigerator whose only occupants are a couple of dried up pizza slices.
According to the University of Arkansas Volunteer Action Center, stereotypes like that are unfortunate realities for some local students.
The group today announced its plans to open the first student-run campus food pantry in February to help feed hungry students and staff.
“Many people assume that students pursuing higher education have the resources to meet all of their needs and that they are ‘privileged’,” said Angela Oxford, assistant director of the center for leadership and community engagement. “But after many conversations with students and staff, we’ve learned of this silent group that includes students living on campus with the minimum meal plan, international students who have limited resources, single parents, and first generation students with limited financial resources available from their families.”
The Full Circle Campus Food Pantry is the first of its kind and is expected to open Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2011 in Bud Walton Hall (previously known as Darby Hall) on Stadium Drive, directly across from Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. The pantry will be open two days a week, Mondays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Division of Student Affairs and Chartwell’s Campus Dining recently donated $30,000 to the group to cover the cost of the food pantry. The Division of Student Affairs is holding a food drive to benefit the campus food pantry during the group’s holiday celebration on Friday, Dec. 10.
