MINOT, N.D. - According to a study done by Temple University's Hope Center for College, Community and Justice; the New York Times says that 45 percent of students from over 100 institutions said they had been food insecure in the past 30 days.
Being food insecure means that those students do not have access to nutritious, affordable food.
Minot State noticed a need within their campus and started a food pantry for students.
As a college student balancing classes, projects, tests, and papers is stressful. But wondering where your next meal is coming from can be a serious problem.
"Just the need we see on campus at different times. Students are obviously here to get an education and sometimes don't have time to work,” saidPaul Brekke the MSU Wellness Center director.
Last year Minot State University, with the help of Little Flower Church, started a food pantry where any student who needs some extra help can get it.
"The first time out on their own. Sometimes they don't want to go back to mom and dad and say, 'you know, hey I spent all my money can you help me out.'
It's more of a pride thing. They want to survive on their own so they want to use the resources they have available to them,” said Brekke.
Brekke says that he hopes to see the pantry grow this year to be able to help more students.
"Education and higher education we are here to help the student succeed. So if there are things that we can help them be successful, then we are going to try to do those to the best of our ability,” said Brekke.
Helping students get the food they need to be successful in the classroom
The pantry is located inside the Wellness Center.
If you would like to donate to the MSU food pantry or are a student you can call the wellness center at 701-858-4084 or Kevin Harmon the Vice President for Student Affairs at 701-858-3299.
