Happy Thanksgiving Noles! As part of the season of giving, we thought we would share an amazing resource here at FSU with you all! The FSU Food for Thought Pantry is an great place to both donate food or receive food if you are in need. To help us better explain the Food for Thought Pantry, we reached out to Ms. Haley Gentile of the FSU Dept of Student Support and Transitions, to give us some more info on the amazing work they do!
Can you give us a brief description of FSU Food for Thought Pantry and what it is that you guys do?
The Department of Student Support and Transitions runs the Food for Thought Pantry to expand access to food for currently enrolled FSU students facing food insecurity. Our services provide free food without judgement so students can focus on their school work, wellness, professional development, and personal goals without the distraction of hunger.
If a student needs help getting meals, what does that process look like?
During the Fall 2020 term, the Food for Thought Pantry is open from 12:00 pm until 5:00 pm Monday through Friday by appointment only. Students can review relevant policies and sign up for an appointment slot by visiting our website: https://dsst.fsu.edu/resources/food-for-thought-pantry The Food for Thought Pantry is in University Center A and hands out bags of food from the Pantry suite in Room A4148 on the fourth floor. Information about how to enter the building and associated expectations can be found in the sign up form. Students are able to list dietary restrictions and preferences when they make an appointment. We are consistently able to offer non-perishable staples, frozen meat, and hygiene products, which are, when possible, supplemented with produce.
What are the best ways that students can donate or volunteer for the Food for Thought Pantry?
Unfortunately, right now we are not able to accept volunteers due to the size of our space and the need to enforce social distancing measures. When it is safe again to do so, we will reignite our partnership with The Center for Leadership and Social Change’s EngageTLH program: https://thecenter.fsu.edu/service/engagetlh Keep an eye on The Center’s programming for Pantry volunteer opportunities in the future.
We are able to receive donations from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday at University Center A in the Stadium. We are located in Room 4148A. People can also safely donate at a distance through our Amazon Wishlist, which is linked on our website. Individuals or organizations with specific questions about donating can call 850-644-2428 (the general DSST departmental line).
Are there any other general bits of information that you would like to share with blog readers?
If a student finds their food insecurity is persistent and would like to explore options beyond the Pantry, we encourage the student to connect with the Department of Student Support and Transitions at 850-644-2428.
Thank you Ms. Gentile! If you’re looking to give back this season, the FSU Food for Thought Pantry is an amazing way to directly help out your fellow community! As mentioned, be sure to visit the Food for Thought Pantry page or their Amazon Wishlist. Have a safe and happy holiday season and GO NOLES!
Author: Westen Dorweiler
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