An anonymous $20,000 gift to The Pantry at Indiana University East will have a huge impact on food insecurity in the student body – especially during the ongoing pandemic. And, as a monetary donation, the funds make it possible for The Pantry to ensure it is able to offer what is needed for students.

“The donation, quite frankly, takes my breath away,” says Deanna Cooper, wellness specialist for the Center for Health Promotion at IU East, who got the pantry started five years ago. “The anonymous donor recognized a need and understands the importance of helping our students be successful. We will be able to provide more items for more students. It could also make a difference in student retention, as food insecure students are often more likely to withdraw.”

Cooper notes having a financial cushion will allow The Pantry to shop more frequently, stock up on essentials and more non-perishables.

Paula Kay King, director of gift development, said this gift provides a great deal of options for The Pantry. “Often when donors consider giving to The Pantry – they think of gifting items. Receiving a monetary gift such as this provides a great deal of flexibility and sustainability for The Pantry. It’s an amazing act of kindness!”

Karen Clark, Ed D, RN, dean of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences, says The Pantry’s importance can’t be overstated.

“Food insecurity is an issue in many communities and ours is no exception,” Clark said. “Students have expenses such as tuition, books, rent, car expenses, or family maintenance. Sometimes there is not enough money for food once the bills are paid.”  It’s also a challenge for students who are juggling a full course load, coupled with part-time jobs or sports activities, she added.

Clark says she knows The Pantry has made the difference for some students between going hungry and having sufficient nutrition. “We also provide health and beauty type products such as toilet paper, laundry detergent, deodorant, shampoo, toothpaste and soap. Having access to the variety of items every month actually enables some students to feed their families and-or themselves.”

Cooper notes the importance of being able to ensure students have proteins, such as meat, eggs, milk and cheese, along with some treats such as cookies and chips because such items “add a little fun and normalcy.”

Food insecure students are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety and loneliness. “A hungry student cannot focus on their school work when they are worried about where their next meal might come from or how they will feed their family when they get home,” Cooper says, noting that surveys show 30 to 45% of college students are food insecure.

Dean of Students Amy Jarecki considers herself a campus champion for The Pantry, “making sure that faculty, staff and students know about this valuable resource.” She directs referrals, including from students who come to her when they find themselves in financial crisis, such as an unexpected car repair. “The Pantry is a quick and easy way for the student to get help with food and toiletries without having to seek outside resources,” she said. Jarecki cites the importance of taking care of students’ basic needs and providing a holistic culture of care and concern.

Cole Lane is the student advocate at IU East. In his role, he assists students facing obstacles that may range from employment to financial or housing, and he often connects students with The Pantry.

“The Pantry is important because it is the university reaching out, offering a helping hand,” Lane said. “A bag or two of food from The Pantry can make such an impact on a stressed out college student, who may not have known where their next meal is coming from.”

Lane said from his experience, students he connects with The Pantry as a resource are often happy and relieved to have the option available.

“The fact that the place they go to school has food for them if they need it is a great thing,” he said.

The Pantry operates solely on donations, with monetary gifts being ideal. Food and toiletry donations are also accepted.

According to Clark, the donors have a powerful impact. “They make a difference in the lives of students when they give. It truly is about paying it forward and helping the next generation of scholars.”

The Pantry is located in Hayes Hall, Room 064. It is normally open on Tuesday mornings and Wednesday afternoons – and due to COVID-19, by appointment. Students can make an appointment by calling 765-973-8216.

Cooper reiterated the impact of the gift on the program and on her.

“It makes my job much easier. I’m just forever grateful. This has touched my life, and I’m so lucky to be an instrument to use this gift to impact many others,” Cooper said.

Cash gifts can be made online at myiu.org by following these steps: Click on ‘Give Now’. Click on ‘Make a Gift’. Type ‘IU East Food Pantry’ in the search all funds area. Questions? Please contact Paula Kay King, director of Gift Development, at (765) 973-8331 or pkayking@iue.edu.