How Second Harvest Empowered Our Campus Pantry – June 28
Author: Jenn Westfall
As the director of the Campus Pantry at Washington State University Spokane, I have witnessed firsthand the critical role food security plays in student success. The Campus Pantry is a vital resource for over 200 students each week, ensuring they can access nutritious food while pursuing their education. However, the journey to establish and maintain our pantry has not been without challenges. That is where Second Harvest came in, providing invaluable support that has transformed our efforts.
When Campus Pantry was first established about 10 years ago by nutrition exercise physiology students in the WSU School of Medicine, there were numerous obstacles, from securing enough food donations to managing logistics and raising awareness. Despite the students’ dedication, there were times when it seemed like the pantry was barely scraping by. When Campus Pantry partnered with Second Harvest, everything changed.
Second Harvest stepped in with a level of support that exceeded our expectations. They provided consistent weekly orders of 500 to 1,000 pounds of food, ensuring our shelves were always stocked with healthy options, especially fresh produce. They also offered educational resources and recipe sampling that empowered the students to make quick and easy nutritious meals while still being able to focus on their studies.
One of the most memorable initiatives was a collaborative event where we used the fresh produce and pantry staples from Second Harvest, allowing us to host the Healthy Cooking on a Budget recipe contest. The event fed students and educated them on how to make nutritious meals with limited resources. The recipes submitted were fun, creative and resourceful.
On a personal level, working with Second Harvest has been profoundly impactful. It
has shown me the power of community and collaboration in addressing food insecurity. I have countless stories of students who shared how the pantry helped them through a difficult semester, enabling them to focus on their studies without worrying about their next meal. One student I will always remember came in with his 5-year-old son to pick up food for their family. The kiddo was so excited to try something new and pick fresh fruit and vegetables. Stories like these remind me why our work is so important.
Thanks to Second Harvest, we have seen tangible outcomes. We have been able to keep our doors open, increase the number of students served, and expand our range of food options. Second Harvest’s contributions have helped us provide for students in need and strengthened our community. I encourage others to support or get involved with Second Harvest. Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of people experiencing food insecurity.
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