Working at the ARCC Food Pantry

Hidden inside the Field House is the Food Pantry, which is open to everyone, including non-students. The Food Pantry consists of free fresh produce, canned food items, etc. As of recently, there have been plenty of people stopping by to grab simple snacks or using the pantry to the fullest by grabbing groceries. It amazes me how the pantry can bring people together, such as people bringing their friends to grab products. I wish more people would know about this resource, as well as moving the pantry to a less hidden location in the future.   

When I started working in the Pantry, I recall being nervous about how people would treat me, as I don’t communicate with people well. Regardless, I get regulars coming back to the pantry. I rarely find myself starting conversations with customers, but I find it nice to occasionally help others with their groceries and discuss new products in the pantry. 

I asked my friends what they think about the pantry, as not all of my friends use the pantry, and weren’t aware of where this resource was. Although everyone enjoys the variety of food and being able to grab whatever, all of my friends came to the consensus that they didn’t like where the food pantry is placed. The food pantry is located inside the gym, where students tend to practice sports. Students who practice sports in the gym tend to be loud and cannot control where their equipment goes, making it uncomfortable for students who are sensitive to loud noises or are worried about getting hurt. My supervisor is also aware of the situation and wants to move the pantry sometime in the future.  

Despite helping out at the pantry to bring in food and looking at the same spreadsheet every week to type stats, I remember how lucky I am to be working in the pantry and providing for others who need it most. Although I’m not aware of what others are going through, I am grateful to be helping out a resource that is useful to everyone.

The food pantry is accessible on Mondays and Wednesdays, 8-9:45 am and 11:30-2 pm, and Thursdays, 8-11 am.