Food insecurity does not discriminate. It affects all types of people: families, the elderly and even college students. Between the rising cost of tuition, working part-time jobs and having to pay several bills, some students carry the burden of worrying from where their next meal will come.
The N.C. State community has come together to make sure that our students, our fellow Wolfpackers, don’t have to worry about that. Feed the Pack Food Pantry, located in Harrelson 379, is a community-based initiative to combat food insecurity experienced by students (and staff) at the University.
The food pantry is set up like a miniature grocery store of sorts. Food is sorted by type: fruits, vegetables, drinks, dining ware, snacks, proteins and even personal hygiene items. Meat, vegetarian, gluten-free, snacks and condiments can all be found at the pantry. Those in need can go to the pantry during open hours, grab a bag and essentially grocery shop — for free. They can take what they need and come back every week.
The problem is that some students are concerned with their image and are embarrassed at the thought of being seen at the pantry. I have been to the food pantry to receive food. I needed it. I was struggling. I used to be worried that someone would find out and maybe they would make fun of me. It got to a point where I realized that my need for food was bigger than my ego. If I didn’t go to the pantry, I wouldn’t have anything to eat. This source of food has allowed me to focus my energy on classes, finding a summer internship and the ability to help my family when in critical need.
When I got there, the volunteers were so eager to help me. I got enough food to get me by and left. No one knew about it. The thing about food insecurity is that you can’t pick it out in a crowd. You can’t look at someone and know whether or not they’ll eat that day. I use the food pantry on campus and you don’t know it. My instructors, my family nor my friends know either. They will never know, nor will they ever need to know.
Faculty, staff and students have literally donated tons of food to the food pantry because they know I am hungry, that others are hungry. The people donating are aware of all the sacrifices you and I make to succeed at NCSU and beyond. They want to support you and me as we work to make this a better world.
An anonymous person once said: “Be strong enough to stand alone, smart enough to know when you need help, and brave enough to ask for it.” If you or someone you know needs help with combating food insecurity, I strongly urge you to visit Feed the Pack.
Anonymous
