WCSU students launch a food pantry on campus in Danbury
DANBERRY – Carla Mattos, a senior nursing student at Western Connecticut State University, says she co-founded the campus food pantry “because I’m passionate about helping students.”
“As a mother and a student, I know how hard it can be affording food while attending college, working part-time or full-time, paying bills and other responsibilities,” said Mattos, who is from Danbury.
“Many of our students are struggling financially and with food insecurity,” she said, “and we hope the food pantry will ease the burden for them.”
About four months ago, officials at WCSU recognized the need for a food pantry on campus and contacted student leaders for help.
Three students—Karla Mattos from Danbury, sophomore Emily Cabell from Brookfield, and Michael Azee from New Fairfield—volunteered to make the project their priority. The idea was researched and planned, with input from WCSU committees and organizations as well as the community.
Open twice a week in four hour shifts. Any student in need can visit and pick up 20 items per week, including non-perishable foods, sanitary products, and cleaning supplies.
Dozens of students have come since it opened. Organizers said breakfast items, feminine hygiene products, cleaning supplies and long-lasting foods were the most sought-after items.
WCSU Interim President Paul B. Beran said the establishment of the pantry was an important step in helping students focus on their academic endeavors.
WCSU offers scholarships, counseling services, and many other forms of student support. But one of the things we haven’t offered is a stable pantry for students who might be food insecure,” Perran said.
“Students now know that there is a welcoming place on campus where they can pick up food and other items so they can focus on their studies, rather than where they might get their next meal,” he said.
Biran commended the SGU leaders for their “vision and commitment to fellow students” whose “work has made this a reality.”
Izzi, the president of the SGA, met with several clubs on campus, asking for help with donations and fundraisers for the permanent WCSU Food Pantry.
They have formed a working group with volunteers from the WCSU Department of Enrollment and Student Affairs, SGA members and advisors, and several administrators and faculty.
SGA has also received support from Dean of Students Walt Cramer and Administrative Assistant Virginia Diaz, as well as John Murphy, Director of Events and Convention Management.
“There were weekly meetings of the pantry working group, and I collaborated with the Philanthropy Committee, Student Affairs and SGA advisors,” Cabell said in a statement. “Meetings helped decide which food items we would order, helped create the inventory track sheet and helped convert part of Wolves Den (part of the student center) into the WCSU Food Pantry.”
She added that the committee also addressed the stigma experienced by low-income people.
“Many government programs do not take extenuating circumstances into account, leaving a huge gap for those who receive the assistance they need,” said Cable. “This is one of the main reasons we opened the WCSU Food Pantry to all students. Because of the stigma, we have a secret system.”
One of the main sponsors moving forward is Community Food Rescue, a Danbury-based organization that sources food from local stores and distributes items to organizations that feed hungry people.
Also, Mattos said, the entire university is teaming up to help the WCSU Food Pantry. The food racks and containers were donated by Sodexo, the university’s contract meal provider.
“The Faculty and Faculty Union has committed to making private donations,” Mattos said. “Sorority organizations have delivered supplies, Sodexo is considering giving us a refrigerator to expand the types of items we can provide, and one department has expressed a desire to donate anonymous coupons to Sodexo so that students can get fresh meals.”
Volunteers are working to bring more items to the pantry to accommodate those who have dietary restrictions or need toiletries. Student Affairs offers stop-and-shop gift cards for those with dietary restrictions that the pantry doesn’t adhere to.
“Students should remember that the WCSU pantry is run by students for students, and it is a completely safe and confidential experience,” Azzi said. “No judgment is made about what items are taken, or how often they are used. Students should not be intimidated or discouraged from using them as an essential resource in their lives.”
The store is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11am to 3pm in the Wolf’s Den area of the Student Center. for more For information, contact [email protected].
