MANSFIELD, P.A. (WENY) -- Late last year, students and faculty at Mansfield University discovered a problem. Dozens of students were going to class hungry--many making the decision of whether to pay their rent, buy textbooks, or get something to eat.
"Some of the students would show up and mention they weren't going to eat lunch because they couldn't afford it," says Dr. Tiffany Welch, Department Chair of Social Work at Mansfield University. "Others would be more attentive in class if there was a project we were rewarding with candy. And so we all got together and said 'what can we do to address this problem.'"
The solution -- a food pantry, open to all University students.
The school's Social Work club, Student Government and several other student-run organizations, created the space. And now it's already filled with an outpouring of donations.
"Any student can come on campus and get what they need for the week," says Eric Grant, President of the Social Work Club.
The pantry also includes every day necessity items -- paper towels, hand soaps, etc.
And the plan is to involve even more students as it expands.
The pantry will soon be moving to a bigger space. The Hydroponics Club on campus will also be growing and supplying fruits and vegetables.
"It's most exciting to me to see that students are helping students and they're texcited to do it. They're not passing judgment, they're just excited to either give their time working in the pantry, or donating their own goods," says Welch. "We've had students drop off items just as well as faculty and staff, so it's exciting to see that."
The pantry is open to all students every Monday from 1 to 5 pm or by appointment.
Anyone interested in donating their time as a volunteer or food and hygiene products can do so by emailing foodpantry@mounties.mansfield.edu.
