Madison Reporter

Madison College is preparing to open an expanded food pantry in May to address the growing needs of food-insecure students. The new facility replaces a small 14 x 14 closet and provides enhanced pantry shelving, storage, and emergency food lockers. It also includes a refrigerator to offer perishable items and produce from the Madison College Garden and the Madison Area Food Pantry Gardens.

The renovation features a Student Wellness Center, offering health and wellness programming coordinated by the Peer Health Educator Organization, and includes private office spaces. Peer Health Educator Riley Conklin expressed enthusiasm about the expansion: "We are going to have many more opportunities to help students, carry more items at the pantry, and be a more welcoming space."

A planned e-pantry initiative will allow students to order food and personal care items, addressing issues caused by the previous cramped space. Peer Health Educator students Nancy Michel Campos and Riley Conklin recently distributed food pantry bags to students outside the Health Education Building on the Madison College Truax campus.

Denise Holin, a student health educator, commented on the support received: "It is just incredible to have the support from Madison College for this expansion. Because of this, we can increase the programming and educational component of the Cupboard Student Food Pantry, which is just as important as the weekly food." The pantry assisted nearly 1,600 students last year, distributing over 20,000 pounds of food and household supplies.

Under inflation and high rents, many Madison College students face food insecurity, affecting their academic performance, and mental and physical health. In response, the Madison College Foundation launched a Meals Appeal Campaign, with donations matched up to $20,000 until May 12.

Foundation vice-president of development Bryan Woodhouse emphasized the importance of food support: "The hard truth is that when students' money for food runs out, it hinders their ability to perform their best. We want to ensure students aren't denied educational success due to a lack of food and other essential items."

The foundation also provides emergency grant funds covering housing, rent, utilities, transportation, and essential expenses. “Students often face numerous challenges that prevent them from starting or completing their semesters," says Woodhouse. "They are eager to finish their programs and secure stable careers, but getting to class becomes nearly impossible when they struggle to afford necessities like food, rent, or car repairs. We must address these critical issues to help them succeed.”

Ahead of the opening, Campos, who is from Ecuador, has been stocking shelves and spreading awareness about the pantry. "My biggest motivation is to connect students with resources, especially international students who may not be familiar with food pantries," Campos says.

The pantry will offer a wider variety of foods familiar to international students, such as fresh foods and specialty offerings. Campos aims to help students feel connected and supported: “The first step is to talk about food insecurity, share resources with them, and let them know that they are not alone, and we are here to help.”

There are ways to support the initiative, including donating to the Madison College Foundation Meals Appeals Campaign or directly to the Madison College Cupboard Student Food Pantry. Essential personal care items needed include deodorant, body lotion, shampoo, conditioner, and cleaning supplies. Contact Denise Holin for more information.