Kansas State University

Lunchtime forum to kick off centralized food pantry operations

Submitted by K-State food pantry

Faculty, staff and students are invited to the K-State Food Pantry Forum and kickoff from noon to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14, in the K-State Student Union courtyard.

In addition to updates related to various efforts to address food security on campus and information about the university food pantry, the university's centralized food bank to address food insecurity among students on the Manhattan campus, the event will feature an unveiling of the official K-State Food Pantry name. Student groups also will be in the courtyard, providing more information on food security initiatives on and around campus.

"Food insecurity is a growing concern on college campuses nationwide," said Vice President for Student Life Pat Bosco. "As such, a centralized campus food pantry has been established to further the Student Life philosophy of putting students first."

Bosco encourages all K-Staters to attend the unveiling to increase awareness about this invaluable resource.

A recent study by the National Student Campaign Against Hunger and Homelessness found that 48 percent of respondents experienced food insecurity, which was defined as the lack of reliable access to sufficient quantities of affordable, nutritious food. This data is consistent with various studies conducted at K-State, including the University Campus Climate Survey, which found that 39.4 percent of students who experienced financial hardship, also experienced difficulty affording food.

"The development of the K-State Food Pantry will affirm Kansas State University's commitment to being a transformative land-grant university where student success is synonymous with academic excellence and student well-being, and I am thrilled to have Erin Bishop on board overseeing the development of this critical initiative," said Sarah Barrett, coordinator of Clery Act federal compliance.

As the food pantry coordinator, Bishop is the front-line professional charged with working with students, faculty, staff and community stakeholders to promote food security for students at K-State. Barrett will continue to serve as the food pantry's supervisor, in addition to her compliance coordinator role.

Bishop received her bachelor’s degree in 2005 and master’s degree in 2008 in family studies and human services, and has worked in various aspects of social services and student services, including mental health case management and substance abuse counseling. She also serves on the Riley County Extension executive board, the Gender Women and Sexuality Studies advisory board, and the Riley County Coalition of Social Service Agencies leadership team.

For questions about the pantry, contact Bishop at 785-532-6237 or erbish@k-state.edu.