Muskingum University Food Pantry
NEW CONCORD, Ohio – Food insecurity can impact people at any point in their live, that’s why one university offers a unique campus resource to help students in need.
The Muskie Food Pantry at Muskingum University is a free campus resource for students who may struggle to obtain food through a busy semester. The campus pantry is supported through local student efforts and support from the College Drive Presbyterian Church’s food bank.
“This was created about two years ago, I worked with a student in our John and Annie Glenn (JAG) Public Service Fellows to create this and now the JAG Fellows actually oversee both the food pantry we’re standing in and the clothing closet which is in the other part of the building. And so we are here to support our students,” said Muskingum University Chaplain Derek Wadlington. “Our goal is to do so in a stigma-free way, so we invite all to come in. You don’t have to come in to prove to me that you’re poor and hungry. You come and use it because that way people are more likely to come and take advantage of this resource.”
Muskingum University Chaplain Derek Wadlington says that he’s seen the impact of the Muskie Food Pantry and the importance of supporting students through these kinds of efforts.
“I can tell you stories of students who have come to me and said ‘before this existed, I did not eat during the day because I’m a commuter student. I would get dropped off in the morning, I’m picked up at night and I didn’t have money to buy food and now I can actually eat lunch.’ It’s a really powerful testament,” Wadlington said. “And I know that if someone is not eating then their not getting enough energy and their brains not working and you’re in college to develop critical thinking skills. And food is a vital part of that to make your brain work better.”
The Muskie Food Pantry is in the lower level of Brown Chapel on campus. The pantry is part of the larger Tackle Box Student Resource Center which also offers clothing and hygene items. You can support the Tackle Box by donating through Muskingum University’s advancement office to the Tackle Box Fund.
