Recently Ashland University decided to open a new food pantry on campus in the Hawkins-Conard Student Center for both undergraduate and graduate students due to food insecurity. 

The idea for putting a food pantry on campus at AU came from data by the American College Health Assessment that AU received from a past couple of surveys showing an increase of students who claimed a type of food insecurity. 

“Food insecurity is not the same as hunger, although it may edge into that,” said Dr. Rob Pool, VP of student affairs. “It’s the inability to find regular balanced meals.” 

Pool pointed out that students in college may have access to food, but it has no nutritional value, or the meals are often not regular.  

“You may go days before you have two meals, in a day I might just have one meal,” said Pool. 

So far, Nicole Dyer, dean of students at AU, said on opening day, two students who utilized the food pantry and in collaboration with the Office of Christian Ministry, distributed 11 Thanksgiving boxes to students, staff, and faculty. 

When asked if there were any concerns about students misusing the pantry, Dyer said students who want to use the food bank must fill out an intake form, which includes questions about food insecurity. 

“While the answers to these questions will not disqualify a student from using the food pantry, having to complete an intake form may discourage those who is not in need from misusing the pantry,” said Dyer. 

Pool mentions there are some controls in place for those not to take advantage of the pantry. 

The most important concern is to make sure only Ashland University students are signing up for the pantry.  

“We’re not doing like a scientific needs analysis to show us your bank statements,” said Pool. 

With this control in place, there is still a possibility of some students using the food pantry who do not it. 

If the food pantry is successful, there is a possibility of the pantry expanding to accommodate more needs and to keep it fully stocked. 

If a student needs to use the food pantry, they must complete the food pantry intake and will present their AU student ID upon each visit. 

The food pantry is open every Wednesday from 11 a.m.to 2 p.m. but the hours are likely to change as feedback is gathered. 

If anyone has questions about the food pantry, contact [email protected] or call 419-289-5325.