The University of Wyoming’s Student Union set up a food pantry, a consolidation of the food pantries from across campus, at the beginning of the school shut down due to COVID-19.
“The pantry has been very highly utilized, and I have been surprised at the generosity of the community in keeping it stocked with donations,” said Amy Bey, assistant director of Dining Support Services at the university.
Volunteer contributions stock the limitless pantry, so stocking times are random. The Dean of Students Office and Interfaith have contributed regularly to help keep it stocked.
In volunteering, students and community members can donate foods and sealed toiletries. Food that is donated must be factory-sealed and shelf-stable, along with being food that does not require refrigeration.
During this COVID-19 shutdown, students should still take precautions when going out to the food cabinet, including to remember social distancing.
“We ask users to be conscientious of social distancing as well try only to touch items that they intend to take,” said Bey.
Food cabinets will return to their home colleges when the school reopens, including the Haub School, Geology Department, COE Library and the Fine Arts Department. Until then, the Union food cabinet is available for all. However, for those that do not have access to getting to the university, there are also resources outside it, including Interfaith and the Laramie Soup Kitchen.
Students in need are encouraged to take from the food pantry what they lack, and others are encouraged to volunteer to add food and toiletries to it.
