University of Park Establishes Pantry for Students Struggling with Food Instability
On October 23, 2018, Park University will hold a grand opening for the Pirate Pantry, a campus initiative aimed at addressing food insecurity among its students. Operated by volunteers, primarily graduate students in Park's Master of Social Work program, the Pirate Pantry offers a three-day food supply and personal hygiene items to any Park University student in need.
The Pirate Pantry is located inside the Intramural and Recreational Fieldhouse (Labor Hall) adjacent to Breckon Sports Center on the Parkville Campus. Donations of nonperishable food and personal hygiene items can be placed in the donation bin outside the Pirate Pantry space, dropped off during specific hours, or arranged via email for large volume donations (pantry@our website). Donation drop-off hours are on Tuesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Undergraduate social work students also assist by stocking shelves and taking inventory at the Pirate Pantry. Financial donations are also accepted at the Pirate Pantry. The Pirate Pantry has been funded entirely by donations, including a major gift from North Kansas City Hospital.
The Pirate Pantry is a response to the increased awareness of food insecurity among students on college campuses. Statistics show that over one in five college students experience food insecurity, with many reporting "very low food security," meaning they eat less than needed or skip meals entirely[3]. A 2016 study found that 48 percent of college students reported food insecurity in a 30-day period[2].
Hunger among college students is often cited as a factor in not being able to concentrate in the classroom and while studying. A study also found that 22 percent of college students had low levels of food security that qualify them as "hungry"[1].
Universities like Park University address this issue through various strategies that may include campus food pantries, targeted outreach to connect students with nutrition assistance programs like SNAP, and participating in local or state-level coalitions to improve food access policies[3]. Some institutions also adopt newly validated tools such as the College Student Food and Nutrition Security Survey Module (CS-FNSSM) to better assess and understand student needs, informing tailored interventions[4].
The Pirate Pantry is organised according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's ChooseMyPlate.gov, with nonperishable food items categorised into proteins, grains, fruits, and vegetables. For more information about the Pirate Pantry and donation options, visit the designated website or the website-pantry section.
Food drives conducted by the University, the City of Parkville, Mo., and Northland Baptist Church in Kansas City, Mo. have contributed to the funding of the Pirate Pantry. In addressing food insecurity, universities and states are increasingly working to reduce barriers and improve access to nutritional support as part of broader efforts to promote educational equity and student success.
