BIG RAPIDS, Mich. — Inspired by a story of a student who could only afford a single Hot-N-Ready pizza each week, one Ferris State University Student has started a food pantry for students.
Hearing the story of a student living off one slice of Little Caesars pizza each day inspired Olivia Johnson to take action.
"Many doors were shut when we presented this idea," she said in an email, "but through much prayer, research and perseverance, we made it happen.
"The food pantry was created by a struggling student who knows what it feels like to struggle alone on a college campus. I have been where some students are. It's nothing to be ashamed of."
The Student Emergency Food Pantry for Ferris Students operates under the non-profit umbrella of the Wesley House, a student organization. The food pantry is located at 628 Warren behind Ferris State's science building.
The goal of the pantry is to provide students with between two and five days worth of food, the senior criminal justice student said.
Johnson said the only requirement for participation is a student identification card and to fill out one "simple" form before perusing the food pantry.
"It is my goal to raise awareness more than anything to Ferris State, and let them know that this is a problem on our campus," she said. "The food pantry offers a temporary solution to students, and hopefully we will be able to work with Ferris to create a permanent solution.
"It was created by a struggling student, for struggling students. Before students come in they should know that the food pantry is a judgement free zone."
The food pantry is not directly associated with the university, but it acquired some emergency supply kits from the Ferris' Diversity and Inclusion Office, John Smith, a spokesman for the school, said in an email.
If students come into the pantry needing more help than just a school-week's worth of food, Johnson said they can point them in the right direction for help.
Stocking the shelves with items came through partnerships with local grocery stores, and a grant that allowed the group to purchase food for the pantry.
Johnson said they are working on creating a partnership with Feeding America to help keep the shelves stocked.
