Raider Food Pantry | Photo by Kayli Thompson | The Wright State Guardian
The coronavirus pandemic has taken a substantial toll on the inventory of goods available at Wright State University’s (WSU) Raider Food Bank.
With the start of the fall semester underway as of Aug. 24, the food bank is actively seeking physical donations as well as monetary donations to best support the Raider community moving forward.
“The changes in income, access to school lunch programs many of our student’s children use, and the uncertainty of what could happen all impacted our community's ability to access food during the pandemic,” Associate Director of Student Advocacy and Wellness Destinee Biesemeyer said.
Timing couldn’t have been worse for the pandemic to strike, as the Raider Food Bank was just beginning it’s largest food drive of the year when the university was forced to close in March.
Unexpected madness
“When the campus closed, it was right at the start of March Meal Madness. This is our biggest food drive of the year and the donations our students, faculty, staff, and community provide play a substantial role in keeping the pantry stocked,” Biesemeyer said.
Forced to adapt and overcome the challenges presented upon them, Biesemeyer and the staff of the university food bank creatively decided to provide the community in need with an alternative form of assistance.
“This primarily included a twenty-dollar gift card program that students could receive in April, May, June, and July. This was funded by the amazing donations received from the Foundation’s Student Emergency Relief Campaign and a grant from the Dayton Foundation,” Biesemeyer said.
Moving forward, the Raider Food Bank is optimistic that shelves will soon be filled once again, as gracious donations from the Raider community are already beginning to arrive at the pantry.
“I put the word out on the President’s WebEx chat recently that we were ready to accept food donations again, and already people are stepping up in a massive way. We are also looking to develop a partnership with Kroger to help us build a stock of fresh foods in the pantry,” Biesemeyer said.
It’s okay to ask for help
Students needing assistance in keeping food on the table should not shy away from reaching out, as WSU has a reputation for being more than accommodating for it’s students and those in the community needing help.
“We all need help in some way,” said WSU graduate Zack Kriel. “I found at Wright State the biggest obstacle for me in receiving assistance was my own self. Once I actually reached out and spoke up I was embraced and helped in any way I needed.”
WSU senior Cheyenne Price has also had positive experiences while seeking help during her time studying at the university.
“I had a class in the fall of last year where our professor would remind us almost daily of the great services,” Price said. “Most of our professors are very passionate about the students they teach.”
Those wishing to help the Raider Food Bank replenish its stock of goods may drop food donations off at the pantry located in room 055 of the Student Union. Monetary donations may be made through the Wright State University Foundation.
Students may text or call 937.260.0617 if assistance is needed outside of food pantry hours of operation.
