Northwest Missouri State University has opened up a food pantry to students and employees who may be food insecure.

The University said it recently opened up the Pay it Forward Food Pantry to ensure its students and employees can be successful without going hungry.

The initiative, which a group of Northwest staff members discussed for nearly a year, is spearheaded by the University’s Office of Student Affairs. Northwest’s Pay It Forward Committee dates back to 2008 when Student Affairs established a loan program to assist students who are struggling financially and connect them with resources to be successful financially, socially and academically.

“While working with our Pay it Forward students, we noticed an increase in the need for food and personal hygiene items,” said Sue Nickerson, the executive secretary for the Office of Student Affairs. “We felt that barriers such as food insecurity should not prohibit our students from achieving a college degree.”

The food pantry, located in the Material Distribution Center adjacent to the University Police Department, is accessible from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily and staffed by University Police. Northwest’s Pay It Forward Committee stocks and maintains the pantry shelves to ensure quality products are available.

The food pantry offers non-perishable foods, such as canned fruits and vegetables, boxed macaroni and cheese, and packaged goods. It also will offer personal hygiene items, such as soap, shampoo, toilet tissue, feminine products and toothpaste.