Renee Shaktivel
Staff Writer
Over 10 percent of Idahoans in the last two years have faced concerns about where and how their next meal will reach their table because of a lack of access to safe and healthier foods.
In 2013, the idea for a food service to help ease this problem began and one year later, Benny’s Pantry opened its doors in Jan. 2014 as a source to help ease the burden for students within the ISU community.
The pantry service has seen a 60 percent increase in use so far this semester. Through heavy marketing efforts this success has been possible. Advisors and volunteers have provided an environment for visitors to be comfortable and maintain their dignity.
“ISU students had begun to share stories with faculty and staff members of making difficult choices between educational expenses and buying healthy, nutritious meals,” said Brooke Barber, Director of Orientation, Leadership and Services. “It was very clear that emergency food support services were needed.”
Benny’s Pantry is an exclusive food pantry at Idaho State, serving students, staff, and faculty to combat hunger and food insecurity. Two locations can be found in the Pocatello and Idaho Falls campuses. The Pocatello pantry can be located in a quiet corner of the PSUB, allowing for a more private experience for those in need.
“We try to make the process as comfortable and easy as we can, so that anyone who comes to Benny’s feels respected.” said Karen Larsen, Idaho Falls Staff Advisor.
Despite the generalization that college students are supposed to be broke and hungry, students are not exempt from needing healthy nutrition. Benny’s Pantry is trying to fight this because good nutrition has been shown to improve learning and development.
Benny’s Pantry is advertised throughout both campuses. However, the service is underused despite the fact that over 60 percent of ISU undergraduates are on need-based pell grants.
“The stigma of using a service like this causes some people to stay away, even though they could really use some assistance now and again,” Nelson said. “They felt that if they used Benny’s, they would be taking away from someone in greater need.”
The majority of those associated with ISU qualify for the pantry, for those who don’t, there are community options for assistance which can be found online.
The service heavily relies on volunteers. Through the dietetics program and the Greek organizations on campus, the pantry has never fallen short of volunteers.
Annual training sessions are held during both fall and spring semesters. Donations are what keep this thriving. Non-perishable food and money are always being accepted. A $1 donation can supply two full meals.
Benny’s Pantry hopes to reduce the stress of never knowing where your next meal will come from. All food located in both Benny’s Pantries are free of cost.
