How to Fight Food Insecurity at GFU

Article by Madeline Teeter

NEWBERG, Ore. – Food insecurity is an issue prevalent among college students, as meal plans often cost thousands of dollars. However, at George Fox University (GFU), there are ways to minimize food costs as well as alternative options for those unable to afford meal plans.

“Food insecurity is attached to our mental health,” said Jere Witherspoon, Student Care and Student Life operations specialist who is in charge of the Bruin Community Pantry.

On-campus students at GFU are required to have some form of meal plan, the cost of which ranges from $900-$3,175. The majority of freshmen living on campus are required to accept the most expensive meal plan, while commuters and those with enough credits may select the cheaper options. The less expensive the meal plan, the fewer meal swipes a student is allowed from Canyon Commons.

Students may be hesitant to take a block meal plan that only provides 80 meals. However, Tupperware is provided for seven dollars at Canyon Commons (a one-time purchase), which can double the number of meals students get from the dining hall.

The block plans give more flex points to students, which can buy meals from the café, Canyon Commons and the market on campus. Using the block plans effectively in this way can save $1,125.

Students looking for food options outside of GFU’s meal plans can turn to the Bruin Community Pantry or stores like Grocery Outlet that offer low prices. Witherspoon noted that the Student Life office has a peanut butter and jelly sandwich station open for all students as well.

For those vulnerable to food insecurity, the Pantry is an invaluable resource. Users of the Pantry are allowed one grocery bag of food per week. There are also grab and go meals available for anyone who stops by, which range from Bon leftovers to homemade soup cooked by community members.

The Pantry is open to everyone, not just students and staff from GFU. “The whole essence of what we do is community,” said Witherspoon. She explained that being open to the public allows the Pantry to qualify for free food supplies from the government: “If we were not open to the public, we’d have a quarter of the food we have.”

To sign up for the Pantry, there is a five minute in-person orientation which is given whenever one visits for the first time. This is not required for those interested in a snack or the grab and go section of Pantry, making it easy for students to swing by.

Students are not discouraged from grabbing a meal or checking what the Pantry has to offer. However, the Pantry is there for those who need food, rather than for those looking for a specific food item, and they have had to place limits on how much food guests can take due to shortages. “This is a resource, not a grocery store,” said Witherspoon.

On Oct. 17, the Mr. Bruin event was held on campus, which is a fundraiser for the Pantry as well as a night of entertainment. While students got to enjoy watching six competitors perform character impressions, dad jokes and even heartfelt worship, the underlying reason for Mr. Bruin is to supply food to those in need.

Before the night of the event, the six men chosen to compete were tasked with raising funds and donations for the Pantry. In the past, every dollar or food item donated would count as one vote towards the chosen competitor. This year, however, it was changed to instead award fifty votes to whoever received the most donations.

Mr. Bruin is not the only way to support the Pantry. The Pantry is always open to donations (money and food items are equally acceptable), which can be dropped off at the building during its open hours. The Pantry also needs new student volunteers every semester.

“I’m only open when I have volunteers,” Witherspoon said. “I’ve learned with volunteering that you have to make it fit within [students’] schedules.”

Volunteers sign up in 30-minute intervals. Witherspoon said that even volunteering for 30 minutes one day a week can make a difference, as that helps to keep the Pantry open continuously. “Scheduling wise, having it be in 30-minute increments is really great,” said Ainsley Roll, a junior volunteer.

“I personally really enjoy working there,” said Kylie Hards, a sophomore volunteer. Hards volunteers for three hours on Wednesdays and said that she’s able to work on homework during that time, as her primary job is to monitor the grab and go station and restock shelves.

It is important for students to be aware of the food options available and  know which are the most financially accessible for their situations. Whether it’s reducing a meal plan cost by using Tupperware, going to the Bruin Community Pantry, or shopping at affordable grocery stores, students are provided with options to reduce the risk of food insecurity. For those who want to help, donations and volunteers are always welcome.