University food pantry celebrates anniversary with food drive

Employees working in the Valk Center, which is the home to Northwest’s Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, won the contest and received a “Ramen Noodle Trophy” they dismantled and contributed to the food pantry. Photo courtesy Northwest

The Northwest Missouri State University is celebrating its one-year anniversary by raising awareness and collecting donations to aid students and employees who may be food insecure.

According to a news release, the Pay it Forward Food Pantry held a three-week competition organized by Northwest’s School of Computer Science and Information Systems (CSIS). The drive ended last week with a total of more than cash donations and more than 1,640 items donated.

Wednesday marked the food pantry’s first year. Northwest said, since it opened, the food pantry recorded more than 200 visits from students and employees, and it distributed 359 bags of food.

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.