This is the first long-term funding commitment the Campus Food Pantry has received since its founding in 2013. The majority of the funds will be used to purchase food, with a significant portion provided by Feedmore, a regional food bank serving Central Virginia.
VCU Business Services includes departments such as food and beverage services, retail, and postal services. Our partnership with Ram Pantry reflects our broader efforts to support students in need through access to nutritious food options.
“It’s more than just filling shelves,” said Editor-in-Chief Stephen Barr, Director of Business Services. “It's about giving students a sense of comfort and security, which can have a huge impact on their well-being.”
Funding for business services will take the pilot program, Little Lamb Pantry, to the next stage. In 2021, Little Lamb Pantries were established in Monroe Park and around the MCV campus by Dr. John Jones, an assistant professor in the VCU Center for Environmental Studies, to make food more accessible. This pilot has already revealed significant unmet food assistance needs among students and highlighted the important role of the Central Lamb Pantry and Little Lamb Pantry.
Until now, the Ram Pantry has operated with minimal formal funding from VCU for food procurement, so this new support is a game-changer.
“Funding from Business Services will go a long way in providing more culturally appropriate and nutritious meals to struggling students,” said Jones, principal investigator of the Little Lamb Pantries pilot study. said.
Regarding food insecurity, he said, “Only legislative action can really begin to address this inequality.” “But we can alleviate the problem by taking action in our communities. Strengthening the power of community and collaboration makes a tangible difference in the lives of students and is a testament to the unity within the VCU community.” .”
Central Rum Pantry is located at 930 W. Grace St. and is open weekdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Little Lamb Pantry is located on both his VCU campuses and is available to students in need to obtain food 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Inquiries about the Little Ram Pantries research project can be directed to Jones via email at jonesj39@vcu.edu.
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