Students at Missouri State University have a new resource for food assistance thanks to a partnership between the University and the Well of Life food pantry. KSMU’s Briana Simmons has more details on this program that targets students who need some extra help.
Well of Life is located at 418 S. Kimbrough--close to Missouri State University. Alex Johnson, director of community involvement and service at MSU, says many local food pantries help students with food assistance, but Well of Life was chosen as a direct partner because of its close location to campus.
All students are eligible for food assistance. When they arrive at the food pantry, they must show their student ID, but they’re not required to fill out any paperwork. Services are available to students Mondays and Tuesdays from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The program began last year, and Johnson says they’re trying to get more information out about the services offered.
“We try to meet the students where they’re at. Obviously students are online and using social media and we try to get the word out to them that the resource is there and that it exists, but students are always welcomed to stop by the office or send us an email,” Johnson said.
Johnson said they are in need of more student volunteers to help run the pantry.
Volunteers are responsible for working with a staff member in the office to make sure clients get the supplies they need and tracking how much food is leaving the pantry. On an average day, two volunteers and one staff member run the pantry.
“I think the power of our volunteers is important as well. We’re really lucky to have students who are so civically engaged in the community who want to help out, and, hopefully, by spreading the word about food and securities, we can help get volunteers knowledge about the issue,” Johnson said.
For more information about the food assistance program, contact Johnson at volunteer@missouristate.edu or 417-836-4840.
