Reconnecting with PAWS Pantry

Feeding America found that over 35 million people are currently struggling with hunger in the United States. Food insecurity is an issue that cripples lives. Thirty-six percent of college students are plagued by the ongoing issue. 

Courtesy of AmeriCorps, Frostburg State University has its own food pantry, the PAWS Pantry which serves the campus community.

The pantry has gone through some changes last semester. There are also plans to service the student body in new ways, said Melanie Hutter, the Food Pantry Coordinator.

Since last semester, the member base of the pantry has been growing steadily. The monthly donation from the Maryland State Food Bank, which ranges from 1,500 to 3,000 pounds of food, enables the pantry to serve everyone in need.  There are over 440 individuals who are registered members of the pantry. With this growth comes new changes including a cooking class with a nutritionist, a weekly budgeting email, and toiletries available for those interested. Looking towards the future, the pantry is planning on creating a winter clothes drive.

Hutter currently runs the pantry with supervision from Ashley Daniels, Associate Director of Civic Engagement. Patrick O’Brian, the Director of Civic Engagement was the previous supervisor for the pantry but now is moving the responsibility to Daniels. Various other AmeriCorps volunteers and EchoStars help the organization with tasks as well. The pantry is always looking for volunteers to help with daily activities.

“I think that it’s really important to say that the pantry at Frostburg State University provides the food and basic necessities at no cost for all the students here. Anybody can sign up,” said Hutter, hoping the campus community knows the pantry is a resource to help with the basics.

The PAWS PAntry is located on Braddock Street across from Fuller House. It is open on Mondays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For more information regarding PAWS Pantry, visit http://involvement.frostburg.edu.