West Texas A&M University, through the work of students, the student government and student affairs, has decided to open a food pantry. This pantry is currently in a temporary location at the old information desk in the JBK.  The Grand Opening will be on March 18.

“We have been working really hard to get to this point,” Meredith Perdue, a senior nursing major, said. “We need to get some awareness on what it is, what it is going to be.”

Currently, the main method to raise money for the pantry there are Souper Tuesday events. Students can pay $2 to the pantry or bring two cans of food for a bowl of soup. More donations of food and/or money are welcome.

This pantry, once open, will be for all students. The hours of operation currently are Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. At that time, the hope is that the food pantry will be manned by volunteer organizations.  However, if a student cannot get to the pantry during its hours of operation, then they are welcome to ask the CORE office to open the pantry for them.

“It is a great opportunity for students to get involved,” Leif Knippers, finance major and student body president, said. “I hope it is something that will become part of WT’s tradition.”

Anyone can donate money to the pantry, but food is preferred. The WTAMU food pantry works in conjunction with the High Plains Food Bank. Non-perishables are needed, also many students live in dorms, and food that can be cooked in a dorm room is also needed. Organizations are asked to help run the food pantry and to possibly work to organize it.

“I think it is a fantastic idea,” Stephanie Brackett, Assistant Director of Student Activities, said.   “To have something that students can go get food and not think they are on welfare is great.”