Shippensburg University opened a food pantry on Feb. 7 in the Spiritual Center for all SU students as a result of the state budget impasse.

The pantry provides free, nonperishable food items to SU students. No names will be taken and no questions will be asked; students only need to show up with their student ID in hand to receive food. The pantry will be open Monday through Thursday from 4-7 p.m.

A committee made up of the athletic department, campus ministries and several other SU departments, created the pantry specifically to help students affected by the Pennsylvania budget impasse.

By meeting regularly, the committee ensures students will have the resources they need in tough times.

The Rev. Jan Bye of United Campus Ministries feels the pantry will reveal just how many students need the extra help.

“We know, anecdotally, that there were issues with students,” Bye said. “It’s sort of a hidden issue that because of the state being slow on money came much more to the forefront.”

While there is no true estimate for how many students will visit the pantry, there is reason to believe it will be many, according to Bye. Millersville University, comparative in size and demographics to SU, has a food pantry for its students as well, Bye said. Fifty students visited the pantry per semester last year, but the number skyrocketed to 150 last semester because of the budget impasse.

“We know this is a unique time, because state resources being delayed has caused a lot of problems,” Bye said. “Hopefully, some of that stuff can get taken care of with the state and we can help find ways to make sure students are taken care of while they finish school.”

While students are asked to take only what they need, there is no limit to how many times they may come throughout the semester. Students may also make suggestions for different food items to be stocked in the pantry and are encouraged to list any special dietary items they may need.

Bye encourages students to not hesitate in taking advantage of the pantry.

“We don’t want folks to be uncomfortable about this. Everybody needs help sometimes,” she said.

While the pantry only stocks nonperishables, there are other food resources in Shippensburg as well, such as King’s Kettle and Shippensburg Produce Outreach. Shippensburg Borough also has a calendar of when free meals are offered to the community.

“The university, all of us, really want to make sure our students will succeed in college, and if this is part of what needs to be done, then we’ll do it,” Bye said.

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