Filling the stomachs of Dixie State University students in need is still a priority as student government members and school administrators expand the Food Pantry’s services.
It’s been a year since the pantry’s relocation to the Gardner Center’s second floor near the student government offices. Dean of Students Del Beatty said improving the resource is an ongoing project. Having addressed the issue of accessibility with the move, new projects have bolstered the Food Pantry’s potential impact on students.
Although supplying a bag filled with food is an easy and helpful way to assist struggling students, Beatty said a small portion of students—those who are homeless—don’t have resources to cook meals the pantry provides.
“A lot of times if someone is homeless, going to the pantry doesn’t help them because you need to prepare a majority of the pantry food, and they don’t have a way to prepare it without a kitchen,” he said.
With this in mind, administrators started a fund with donations from community members. The money gathered goes toward coupons that students who the pantry is assisting can use in Red Rock Café.
Smaller additions are also in development, and Beatty said to expect numerous projects soon. To stockpile more food, he said planning is underway for new, supermarket-like shelves in the Food Pantry.
