28 August 2024
BIG RAPIDS, Michigan —
Ferris State University administrators are opening an expanded food distribution center in response to a campus survey in which nearly half of 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, August 28, in Room 115 of the David L. Eisler Center, 805 Campus Drive.
Lina Blair, dean of student life, said the new center, which will include store shelving and refrigeration units, is a non-judgmental response to the survey on student concerns.
“We hope students don’t shy away from asking for help because they know we’re here to support them,” Blair said. “Food insecurity is often just the tip of the iceberg of obstacles our students face. We’re here to take the burden off their shoulders so they can focus on being a Bulldog and keep working toward their goal of graduating.”
Josh Olszewski, coordinator of the Center for Student Involvement, said enrolled students will receive free food, but they must fill out an online form, a verification requirement from Feeding America West Michigan, a partner that donates much of the food.
The pantry is open several days a week. The opening hours are as follows: Here.
“Students will have to get used to what Feeding America West Michigan delivers with us, but that includes canned or bottled meat or soda, as well as jam, dry cereal and other staples,” he said. “Students currently enrolled can fill two paper bags once a week. We welcome input on what foods are best and hope students understand that our distribution system has certain limitations.”
Student assistants will staff the Bulldog Pantry and answer customer questions about the registration process for pantry access.
The Bulldog Basic Needs Alliance’s focus is to support students who are experiencing food insecurity. Administrative Assistant Maggie Walcott is co-chair of the alliance and said this development has many positive implications for students.
“When the opportunity arose for the Bulldog Basic Needs Alliance to establish a full-fledged food pantry on our campus, we knew we couldn’t pass it up,” said Walcott. “We’ve enjoyed the opportunity to partner with our friends at Wesley House over the years, but having the food pantry both on our campus and in such a well-known building as the Eisler Center is an amazing testament to how much Ferris State University cares about our students, and we’re putting that care front and center.”
Assistant Dean for Student Life Nicholas Campau said the pantry is functional and student-friendly because of its location and use of space.
“Room 115 in the David L. Eisler Center met many criteria: It is on the same level as the loading dock, is highly visible and easy to find, is close to accessible restrooms, and required minimal work to remodel,” Campau said. “While we lose some lounge space, the pantry is very intentionally designed. We expect it will make a big impression on our students.”
Blair said the Bulldog Basic Needs Alliance’s fundraising for the pantry, along with significant contributions from the Student Government Association and a grant from the university budget, will help keep food on the shelves.
“Feeding America’s small fee of one dollar per pound helps us offer products when students come to visit,” Blair said. “The Ferris Foundation will soon have an online donation mechanism available. People can also co-sponsor food donations and drop off donations at the Bulldog Pantry or volunteer to help unload deliveries and stock our shelves.”
