MANSFIELD, PA—Responding to a need for some of its students, Mansfield University now has a Food Pantry on campus for students in need. Stocked with food and basic hygiene products, the pantry is the outgrowth of a committee formed to study the issue of student food insecurity and make recommendations to address it. 
“We heard anecdotally that students were forced into making tough choices on how to stretch limited incomes,” Dean of Natural and Social Sciences Nancy Sidell said. “Hosting a food pantry on campus helps insure students can concentrate on being students and not on meeting their basic food needs.”
The MU Food Pantry in located in Alumni Hall, Room 124, and will initially be open on Mondays from 1-5 p.m. The plan is to expand the hours once more volunteers become involved.
The effort is being organized by the Social Work (SWK) Club with assistance from the Student Government Association (SGA). Relying on donations and volunteers, future plans include a formal open house and collaboration with other students groups, including the Hydroponics Club and the Student Dietetic Association.
Anyone interested in donating their time as a volunteer or food and hygiene products to the pantry can email foodpantry@mounties.mansfield.edu