For college students planning their return to Eugene for fall classes, the worries of bills can loom large as they wait for the day financial aid drops into their bank account.
Many students rely on financial aid for more than just textbooks and tuition — that money is also used to keep their lights on or buy groceries.
There are a handful of resources available around the University of Oregon for students in this position to fight food insecurity.
Right now, students can get food like canned fruits and vegetables, bread, rice and cereal once a week at the Student Food Pantry. The pantry is at 1329 E. 19th Ave. near Hayward Field, and is open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
"The easiest thing to think about (donating) is canned goods types of things," said Doug Hale, chaplain of the Episcopal Campus Ministry, which is connected to the pantry. "Items that have a good amount of protein in them are really helpful — canned produce items like tomato products and fruits."
He said nonperishable items are best to donate, but the pantry does give out and receive some perishable items but asks people to let them know ahead of time.
"In terms of fresh items, it’s good to know its coming so we can be there and put it where it needs to go right away," Hale said.
The pantry is also looking to grow this year.
"The university has set aside $30,000 in its budget to lease us a larger space," Hale said, so they're looking for a location near campus that can fit the pantry's needs. "The hope is that we’ll be able to accomplish that move, and once we’ve done that we’ll be looking at how do we expand our services."
Hale said they will keep students updated when that move actually comes.
The pantry is open through the summer but will be closed for the two weeks before classes start on Oct. 1.
There are a number of other food pantries in the area that are mapped out on the UO's website detailing food resources: blogs.uoregon.edu/basicneeds/food.
Follow Jordyn Brown on Twitter @thejordynbrown or email at jbrown@registerguard.com.
