Learn about AU's food pantry for students

By Nicole Page | Staff writer

At Augusta University, not all students have the privilege of knowing where their next meal is going to come from. During AU’s Days of Service, food drive bins were located all around campus for faculty and students to donate any kind of non-perishable foods for those students that may not have those resources available to them at home.

During the weeks of November 1-19, Augusta University held its Days of Service. The Days of Service give the AU community the chance to help our neighbors and give back to the Augusta area. Students had the opportunity to register for various events leading up to the date of October 8, 2021 to have the chance to be a part of this week.

Last November, more than 1100 staff members, faculty, students and their families participated in the Augusta University Day of Service.

During that week, The Graduate School Student Council also acknowledges that there are students at Augusta University that may need help as well. The Open Paws Food pantry allows students to have access to adequate food, if they need.

The Open Paws Food Pantry had drop off sites all over Augusta’s campus. These food pantry bins were located in the Graduate School office (CJ2201), various locations on the Health Sciences campus, and sprinkled around the Summerville campus as well. The accessibility of the food drive bins allowed anyone to donate their non-perishable items.

“I think it is great to have a place on campus for students to have the opportunity to help one another,” said senior student Lucas Bolle. “It is very easy to find and donate anything you can.”

The food pantry at Augusta University is used daily by students who need it. So, using the AU Days of Service to focus on getting donations allowed the pantry to receive a lot of non-perishable foods for students in need.

For Bolle, seeing the bins around campus opened his eyes to what Augusta University does for their students in need. He also recognizes that today's current situation has affected a lot of students to where they may need some extra help getting food and drinks while they continue with their education.

“Until the food drive, I wasn’t even aware of the food pantry on campus. I think it is a great idea that there is a place for students to go if they need real food for their bodies,” said Bolle. “Especially with how times are now, I think it's important that we have a food pantry to help those students that may be struggling right now.”

If you have any questions regarding the food pantry or how to donate after the food drive, email pcameron@augusta.edu.

At top of page, students can give back by donating items to the pantry. (photo by Nicole Page)

Contact Nicole Page at npage@augusta.edu.