Jays Gotta Eat: Food Pantry Expands Services at The Nest

EU’s food pantry is now in The Nest with more food options and winter clothing. Photo by Star Herring

Elmhurst University’s food pantry has a new home in The Nest, a student space located in Niebuhr Hall. The pantry also has some notable upgrades this year with a broader selection of food for students with dietary and cultural needs, as well as a focus on shelf-stable foods with nutritional value, according to Colleen Zavodny, director of student support services and intervention.

“Having a dedicated on-campus pantry helps eliminate barriers for students who may not be able to easily access community resources,” Zavodny said. “This is particularly important for students who do not have access to a vehicle, including some international students and students who qualify under the federal definition of McKinney-Vento which must be documented by social service providers.”

Gluten-free pasta and macaroni and cheese are now available to students, as well as a variety of beans, rice, and quinoa. Students who use the pantry can provide feedback about the food they would like to see added if they are comfortable doing so by contacting Student Support Services and Intervention.

Students can also find toiletries and a small selection of clothing in the pantry, which occupies an entire room. They can stop by to access necessities like coats, hats, gloves, and scarves.

Freshman Amber Banks-Jenkins visited the food pantry earlier this semester. She acknowledged how some students might feel uncomfortable accessing food in front of their peers but said the option to do so is important.

“I feel like there’s this negative connotation when it comes to food pantries of feeling like you’re poorer than someone else,” Banks-Jenkins said. “I grew up having to go to food pantries. My grandma or auntie would take us to food pantries all the time and it was fine. But when you come to this community, Elmhurst is so affluent, I don’t want to be seen going to a food pantry because I can’t pay for the 17 meal swipes. But I’ll do it out of necessity.”

While Banks-Jenkins would prefer more access to fresh fruits and vegetables, she said the location is good for students, and the resource is an extremely valuable one.

“I think it’s important for students to have an on-site food pantry because there might be people who are going through some things and don’t have access to good quality food — EU’s food pantry is now in The Nest with more food options and winter clothing.or just food in general,” Banks-Jenkins said.

Zavodny said the pantry is meant to be as accessible as possible. It was relocated to The Nest to provide students with easier access. She said her department typically sees an increased need for food during J-Term and the summer, when meal plans function differently than during the semester. While students are asked to share their eNumber and whether they are accessing food, clothing, or both, Zavodny said a student would never be denied access if they are not comfortable doing so.

“This is the first year we are formally tracking pantry usage, which will help us better understand patterns throughout the academic year and ensure that we maintain adequate supplies during higher-demand periods,” Zavodny said.