The University of Wyoming has developed a new task force dedicated to tackling food insecurities for students.
“Up to 45% of UW students experience food insecurity. These students are unsure of where their next meal will come from or actually have to skip meals, which negatively impacts their GPAs and academic performance, mental health, and overall well being,” said a recent press release.
This task force was started on the basis of insuring food security for UW students who may not be able to secure it themselves
“To tackle this challenge, the UW Food Security Taskforce recently formed as a collaborative team of students, staff, faculty and administrators who are working to address food insecurity among UW students,” said the press release.
“Our work has picked up speed in the past six months with COVID-19 affecting student food insecurity now more than ever,” said one of the leaders of the task force, Kyra Seppie. “We are working swiftly and strategically to help our students during this difficult time.”
Along with the workload, so too has their task force grown to help expand the influence and impactfulness on the university.
“Our membership has steadily grown since November 2019, as students, staff, faculty, and administrators from across campus bring their expertise and perspectives to the table. Members of our task force hail from the Haub School of Environmental and Natural Resources, Kinesiology and Health, Family and Consumer Sciences, Academic Affairs, and Student Affairs to name a few,” said Seppie.
With the drastic amount of help from everyone on campus it has evolved into a more stable and reliable source of food for students and staff who are still going without.
“Food share cabinets have existed across campus in various locations for a couple years. Over the summer, an emergency food share pantry was opened. This evolved into a permanent Food Share Pantry in Knight Hall this Fall.” said ASUW Vice President Courtney Titus.
“The UW Food Share Pantry is managed by the Dean of Students Office and is one of many solutions for addressing student food insecurity,” said Seppie.
This organization on campus has provided for many who would have gone without. They are always looking to expand and grow their help across campus.
“Future solutions include a central food hub blending an at-cost or subsidized grocery and food share pantry, meal swipe sharing at dining facilities, growing food at ACRES Student Farm, recovering good excess food from events and dining facilities, and expanding and supporting food share cabinets,” said Seppie.
“If students have general questions or concerns about the Task Force they can reach out to me or Caitlin McLennan.” said Titus.
Titus said there is a food drive coming up with SLCE that students can volunteer at and donate to.
