The Auburn University’s Campus Food Pantry is available for students to use. The pantry, which began in the spring of 2012 by the Division of Student Affairs, provides assistance to students who face food insecurity.
Katherine Hettinger, coordinator of student advocacy and case management, said the pantry provides non-perishable foods and toiletries to the students it serves. Anyone who is currently enrolled in classes at Auburn University can use the food pantry, according to Hettinger.
For access to the food pantry, students can either contact Hettinger directly or email casemgr@auburn.edu, an anonymous email account, to request access to the food pantry, according to Hettinger. After filling out a one-page form and signing a waiver, they are able to get one bag of food each week, according to Hettinger.
“We make exceptions for students in situations where there might be more need, so we’re not stuck to the one bag of food a week,” Hettinger said. “If you’re married and you have a child or you have multiple children, then obviously one bag of food a week is probably [not enough].”
The pantry’s location is hidden to protect the confidentiality of those who use it, according to Hettinger. The only people who know the location are the coordinators, the volunteers and the people who use it, according to Hettinger.
The food pantry is run by members of an Freshman Leadership Program group who volunteer and serve throughout the year, according to Hettinger.
Ryan Bynum, junior in biomedical sciences, said FLP found out about the on-campus food pantry last year and is continuing their partnership with them this year.
“There is a problem with food insecurity here on Auburn’s campus,” Bynum said.
Bynum, director of Serve, which is one of the nine programs in FLP, said his group helps by stocking inventory, doing food drives and raising awareness for the on-campus food pantry. This semester, the group will have their own food drive for the campus food pantry, about two weeks after spring break, according to Bynum.
Harper Rentz, freshman in pharmacy, said she loves to volunteer at the food pantry. Rentz said the volunteers help with inventory, from stocking the shelves to removing expired food, and they fill bags for students to pick up.
“It’s really nice to meet them and see how I impact their lives,” Rentz said.
Rentz said volunteering at the food pantry has made a positive impact on her life.
“It makes me more aware of what’s on on campus that I don’t [always] see,” Rentz said. “It impacts me to know that I can help students individually and give them food and help them maintain a healthy lifestyle.”
Bynum said working with the food pantry is a “wonderful way” to bring students together and attack food insecurity.
“Working with the on-campus food pantry kind of popped that Auburn bubble that we all get into and it opened my eyes,” Bynum said. “Food insecurity does exist here on Auburn’s campus for Auburn students.”
For more information, contact casemgr@auburn.edu.
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