Feeding Fearless Ideas

Our Mission

We are a group of six interns working for University Relations. All of us have a passion for fundraising, philanthropy, or development and are excited to raise funds for a cause on our campus which impacts 1 in 5 Terps. For students, staff and faculty alike, an empty stomach prevents high achievement from ever becoming a reality. Our goal is to ensure that 1,000 Terps won’t have to guess where their next meal will come from. With your help, Campus Pantry will continue to feed and advocate for those in need within our community, feeding fearless ideas.

Sincerely,

Sheryl, Michelle, Faben, Katish, Ben, and Serena

What is the Campus Pantry?

The UMD Campus Pantry opened in 2014 in response to the growing number of students, staff, and faculty experiencing food insecurity on our campus. Since then, the small but dedicated staff at the pantry has worked to alleviate the stress of food insecurity by providing emergency food, promoting sustainable food practices, and raising awareness. Located in the basement of the Health Center, the Campus Pantry provides a safe, anonymous and dignified experience for its patrons, allowing them to feed themselves, and in some cases, their families.

Food Insecurity on our Campus

Food insecurity – the lack of reliable access to sufficient quantities of affordable, safe, nutritious food

In 2015, researchers from the School of Public Health conducted a food insecurity survey across campus, prompting a larger and on-going study that the Pantry is involved with today. Led by the University of Maryland Counseling Center Research Unit in partnership with the University of Maryland Department of Dining Services, University Health Center, and Maryland Parent and Family Association, the Food Access and Student Well-Being Study has surveyed over 4,901 undergraduate and graduate students since the summer of 2017. Of the students surveyed, 20% reported being food insecure, and the study found that those who reported this were more likely to report issues in other areas of wellness, whether physically, emotionally, or academically. College Park’s location and economy makes Terps especially susceptible to food insecurity, but they no longer have to endure in silence.

How You Can Help

Be Aware, Volunteer, and Donate!

The funds raised from this campaign will go towards the Pantry's operation fund, allowing them to supplement food donations by purchasing quality, nutritious food.

For more information on the Pantry, how to donate food and volunteer, visit:

 http://campuspantry.umd.edu/

Gifts in support of the University of Maryland are accepted and managed by the University of Maryland College Park Foundation, Inc., an affiliated 501(c)(3) organization authorized by the Board of Regents.  Contributions to the University of Maryland are tax deductible as allowed by law. Please see your tax advisor for details.