CSI opens campus food pantry - Twin Falls Times-News

CSI opens campus food pantry - Twin Falls Times-News

TWIN FALLS — The College of Southern Idaho has a new food pantry. It’s a way to help students who struggle with hunger.

The college launched Gilbert’s Pantry in late August. It’s named after the college’s Golden Eagles mascot.

College employees used to refer students to community resources to get food assistance. But the topic of food insecurity came up again during a student success meeting this summer.

“I think it has been a conversation on campus for years,” student development coordinator Samra Culum said.

College leaders gave the OK for the new pantry.

The pantry is open to any part-time or full-time CSI students who need assistance. During his “State of the College” address in mid-August, CSI President Jeff Fox encouraged employees to donate.

The food pantry is in a storage room in a student club and organization room on the second floor of CSI’s Taylor Building.

“Our thing was to keep it pretty discreet,” Culum said.

So far, about six students have received food from the pantry. Some have families with young children, Culum said.

One student who got food during a rough week came back last week to donate food.

To get assistance, students can download an form on CSI’s website. It includes questions such as the household size and which items they’d ideally need.

It typically takes three to five business days to fill a request, Culum said.

College employees verify the person receiving assistance is registered as a CSI student.

In addition to food, students can get hygiene items from the pantry.

CSI’s dental hygiene program donated toothbrushes and toothpaste. And CSI employees are asked to save toiletries they get at hotels to donate to the pantry.

Last week, the college’s welding club dropped off a large food donation.

Other student groups are collecting canned food and asking for items as the fee to attend some on-campus events.

“Student clubs have been really excited to help each other,” college spokeswoman Kimberlee LaPray said.

And CSI employees are helping out, too.

In September, CSI’s Professional and Classified Employees organization put out boxes at each campus building to collect items, said LaPray, who’s involved with the group.

PACE members used social media, emails and the employee newsletter to solicit donations. The group surpassed its goal of bringing in 350 items.