Posted on: 12/18/2020
Marietta, Ohio- Marietta College is spreading awareness for their food pantry for college students. The food pantry started in 2018 after survey results conducted by the college showed a need for the campus community. Marietta College recognizes food insecurity among college students as a nationwide problem as well, stating in a recent tweet that "recent studies suggest nearly half of the nation's college students go without meals at some point." Director of the Academic Resource Center Amanda Haney-Cech spoke to WMOA about the importance of the food pantry.
"I think sometimes people have a misconception about food insecurity on a college campus," Haney-Cech explained. "The assumption is 'you paid for tuition, room and board so that covers everything.' Well, you have options in terms of how many meals that you can opt-in to. So, you have to look at the number of meals available versus the number of meals a student needs and some students may only have 2 meals-a-day. We are looking to fill some of those holes."
Haney-Cech expressed gratitude to the community and committee at Marietta College for getting behind the cause.
"I want to show appreciation to anyone who as made any kind of donation and our committee that serves," Haney-Cech stated. "When a student request comes in, we are able to fill those quickly and send a package through our campus mail room. That way, when a student gets a package it is like getting a box from home so there is no real stigma attached to it."
Haney-Cech added that the pantry has had a tremendous response from generous donators and alumni whether it be during their annual holiday food drives or anytime throughout the year.
