Campus pantry delivers food to Manchester students in time of COVID-19
Although the North Manchester campus is quiet these days, Manchester University students continue to take classes. Most do so from home, but some were compelled by circumstances to live on campus or in neighborhoods nearby.
“COVID-19 sent a lot of students home, but it left others here in town with little to do but study. Some have limited access to food,” said Ali Goetcheus, director of civic engagement and theAcorns service office.
With the Indiana governor’s Stay At Home order in place, even students living nearby could not get to the theAcorns|Campus Pantry inside the Augustus and Lockie Chinworth Center, and few have easy access to transportation for shopping. Challenging circumstances led to a delivery service.
“Our students are able to ‘shop’ through a menu of items that we have available in the panty. On Thursdays, we are able to fill a student’s request and drop it off where they live,” Goetcheus said. “At this time, we are supporting both students on campus and those in the backyard community.”
The pantry serves 20 to 25 students a week.
Most of those served have access to a dorm-size refrigerator and microwave, so the pantry concentrates on supplying items that make sense: Half a gallon of milk that fits in a small fridge; one-person servings; and dried goods. Ramen noodles, peanut butter, jelly, bread, milk and snack items are among foods available.
Most students who live on campus are on the meal plan, so for them the pantry is supplying “gap food,” Goetcheus said. Those who live in the University apartments and in neighborhoods around campus rely on the pantry to help out with meals.
The food pantry is made possible through MU’s partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central Indiana, Manchester Fellowship of Churches Food Pantry, Sodexo Food Service, MU vending contractors and donations from the public.
Donations may be made at https://www.manchester.edu/alumni/campus-pantry-donation-form.
For the media
Ali Goetcheus: 260-982-5721 or AIGoetcheus@manchester.edu
The shortened URL for donations is www.manchester.edu/pantry
Cutline information:
Top: Manchester University students collect food during the U Can Crush Hunger campaign in the fall.
Middle: Ali Goetcheus
Bottom: Manchester stocks a variety of foods and other needed supplies for students.
COVID-19 response:
Manchester waives enrollment deposit for fall
MU donates PPEs to Parkview Health
Manchester offers pass/no pass option for undergrads
Manchester University, with campuses in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Ind., provides vibrant and transformative student experiences. Learn more at www.manchester.edu/about-manchester
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Manchester University respects the infinite worth of every individual and graduates persons of ability and conviction who draw upon their education and faith to lead principled, productive, and compassionate lives that improve the human condition.
April 2020