ASPSU 1, campus hunger 0

Cans of food are stacked on shelves outside of room 117 in Smith Memorial Student Union for students to take freely on an as-needed basis.

Tentatively titled the Student Pantry, the program is based on the honor system and is geared toward students who have a difficult time paying the bills during the cold winter months and have a legitimate need for assistance.

“It is vastly becoming winter and our bodies require more energy in the colder months,” ASPSU President Jonathan Sanford wrote in an e-mail sent to all Portland State students on Nov. 12.

This is the first year for the Student Pantry, as ASPSU hasn’t had a similar program before this year.
On Oct. 9, the American Sign Language Club put on the ASL Comedy Night with the price of admission being two cans of food. The event was a success and the food was donated to the Student Pantry, allowing ASPSU the resources to offer this program.

“News [of the program] is catching on,” said Selina Poulson, student senator and a coordinator for the Student Pantry. “We haven’t even advertised it very much but people are coming.”

The program started a couple of weeks ago and ASPSU is still just trying to spread the word around campus that the resource is available.

ASPSU is also planning to expand the pantry locations all over campus so that students will have access to it whenever they need it.

“I think it’s a great thing,” said student Claire Dufala. “I just hope students don’t abuse the program for its free food.”

Canned food can be picked up on the shelves outside the ASPSU office, SMSU room 117. There are no forms to fill out and no questions asked. Students who need assistance can drop by anytime and pick up food.

ASPSU is continually taking canned food donations at their office and also at the ASPSU table in Parkway North. Donations are always welcomed.
 

Where to donate food:
ASPSU office
SMSU room 117

Parkway North
ASPSU table