The Service, leadership, and community engagement (SLCE) office and Laramie Interfaith partnered together with a food drive to stock Interfaith’s food pantry.
The food drive took place at Ridley’s grocery store on Grand Avenue on March 26 to stock the Interfaith food pantry.
“While we will not solve food insecurity through drives like what we did Saturday, we also know that students who get involved in the process can build understanding and take that knowledge into the next phase of their lives,” SLCE Senior Project Coordinator Sydney Kennedy said.
Kennedy said more than 1800 pounds of food, paper goods, and personal care items were collected through the event with around 35 volunteers helping throughout the day.
The drive included Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL) volunteers participating as part of Greek Week, as well as other UW students.
The food drive is part of a partnership with Laramie Interfaith and other food pantry resources across campus and the community dedicated to providing support to those struggling with food insecurity.
Laramie Interfaith’s food pantry is open to anyone who is in need of assistance.
According to Kennedy, the SLCE office and Laramie Interfaith have worked together in a variety of capacities for the last 10 years.
“Last year, we assisted over 1000 households with housing and utilities, either directly or indirectly through the State of Wyoming’s ERAP (Emergency Rental Assistance Program),” Laramie Interfaith’s executive director Josh Watanabe said.
Additionally, Watanabe said that the food pantry saw over 25,000 visits last year, with over 25,000 pounds of food provided to Laramie community members.
Kennedy said that Laramie Interfaith’s food pantry and others help students who are experiencing food insecurity.
“Resources like Laramie Interfaith and the UW Food Share pantry can support students in finishing their degree,” Kennedy said.
Kennedy cited a 2020 survey by masters student Kerry Schinkel which found that nearly 45% of UW students experienced food insecurity, highlighting the need for resources like food pantries.
In addition to helping provide donations for the food pantry, Kennedy said that volunteering was a valuable experience for students.
“When we work together on projects like this, students have the opportunity to learn about resources in our community and get involved in supporting their neighbors.”
The SLCE office hosted the food drive as part of their Service Saturdays, which take place once a month and are an opportunity for students to volunteer with and learn about a variety of groups around campus and in Laramie.
“The whole community benefits when our neighbors are able to pay rent and put food on the table,” Kennedy said.
Watanabe said that in addition to helping with donations, the SLCE program’s partnership with Laramie Interfaith is beneficial in helping with the nonprofit’s other goals.
“The UW SCLE program is a great partner, not just in food drives, which obviously directly assist our work, but in helping share our mission and advocating for us or providing volunteers,” Watanabe said.
“Together, we are better and stronger as we work towards creating a community where everyone has safe, warm shelter and food on the table.”
