The University of North Dakota (UND) is hosting its second annual Pack the Pantry Campus Challenge, aimed at raising awareness and support for the Food for Thought Food Pantry. The initiative, which began on February 19, 2024, and runs until March 5, 2024, encourages the university community to unite in combating student hunger. According to Kristi Okerlund, director of student involvement and parent programs, any effort to support students in need contributes significantly to their academic success.
“You can’t be academically successful when you’re hungry,” Okerlund stated, highlighting the critical role that food security plays in student performance. Last year’s inaugural challenge saw participation from 14 teams, resulting in the collection of 3,594 food items and $4,325 in online donations. This year, the challenge has already surpassed last year’s team participation, with a total of 17 teams competing to contribute more to the pantry.
Building on Last Year’s Success
The college aims to exceed contributions from the previous year, although no specific target has been set. Maridee Shogren, the dean of the College of Nursing and Professional Disciplines, expressed her hopes for continued growth. As of February 26, 2024, the leading teams included Hunger Heroes, which represents housing and residence life staff, collecting 448 pantry items; Alphabet Soup from Chester Fritz Library, which gathered 66 items and $310 in online donations; and McCANnel Hall, which contributed 355 items.
The Pack the Pantry initiative aligns with the college’s strategic plan, which emphasizes community outreach and collaborative efforts. Shogren shared her concern as a mother, stating, “It breaks my heart to think that there are students who are hungry.” She recognizes the stress and challenges faced by students who lack adequate food resources, emphasizing the importance of providing support in a non-judgmental environment.
Addressing Food Insecurity
Okerlund noted that essential items such as white rice, vegetable oil, toilet paper, and laundry detergent tend to disappear quickly from the pantry shelves. More unique items also attract immediate attention, often gone within an hour of being stocked. “Word travels quickly when new things arrive,” she added.
Alongside the Pack the Pantry challenge, a presentation titled Feeding Futures was held on February 26, 2024, at the Memorial Union. This event featured discussions from students and faculty about food insecurity at UND. Topics covered included the barriers to food security, the impact of food insecurity on students, and potential solutions to alleviate these challenges.
Jeffrey Anvari-Clark, an assistant professor of social work, proposed solutions such as emergency food stipends and a food endowment fund. He pointed out the difference in expectations placed on college students compared to those in earlier education levels regarding budgeting for meals. “While they are older and capable of handling more responsibility, many students still face similar challenges as they focus on their education,” he explained.
The Pack the Pantry Campus Challenge not only highlights the need for food security on campus but also fosters a sense of community among students, faculty, and staff at UND, emphasizing the importance of collective action in overcoming these issues.
