There is always work to be done when it comes to making sure that no one goes hungry. At Shawnee State University, that work is getting done at the Bear Necessities Pantry (BNP). For the last year, that work has been overseen by director Marlita Cadogan and assistant director Josie Tackett.
The campus food pantry has been in operation since 2016, when it was founded by Tiffany Hartman, the director of student life at the time. For eight years, the food pantry has been providing students with any essentials they might need, from ramen and peanut butter to COVID-19 tests. Even something as mundane as forgetting a pen or pencil before a test is reason enough to visit the pantry.
Cadogan explained that the team tries to ensure variety in their selections, relating her personal needs of specialized body wash to similar needs that students may have. Around the time she became director, the pantry began offering items such as fresh produce, meat and dairy products. She went on to share stories about how big of an impact this effort has on students; particularly, a French student who burst into tears upon learning that the pantry offered the same food she had been craving from her home country. Such products are found in the culture corner, which was implemented last year by Tackett.
Even students who aren’t necessarily at risk of going hungry can find a reason to make use of the BNP. Cadogan explained that after the recent flooding of campus townhouses due to Hurricane Helene, students were able to find fresh bedding and toiletry baskets thanks to donations from Southern Ohio Medical Center, local churches and other community organizations.
The BNP has always run on donations and support from the community, especially around the holiday season. Cadogan stated that they receive “at least a couple donations a week.” In the past, they have accepted charitable donations in the form of cash, checks and physical items. Going forward, they are looking to mainly take in physical items to reduce complications with accepting financial donations, but cash and checks can still be donated by reaching out to the Shawnee State Development Foundation.
Food pantry organizers are looking forward to the upcoming launch of a new program which will make it easier for students to contact Cadogan and Tackett about suggestions for items to keep in stock. Students should be on the lookout for flyers around campus detailing further information, according to Cadogan.
Unfortunately, the pantry does have limited supplies. Students can check out “two bags of groceries up to three times a week,” said Cadogan. She also encourages patrons to utilize reusable grocery bags when possible. The Bear Necessities Pantry is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is located in the Student Resource Hub in Morris University Center.
