Springfield, MO – One in six individuals in Greene County are unsure of where their next meal will come from, according to Feeding America.
“Do we want to eat or do we want to pay for gas to get to and from work,” said Missouri State University Graduate Assistant Jessica Allen.
Allen said MSU’s new Bear Pantry works to service students in need.
“It”s really easy, when you’re not hungry, to kind of not even think about it,” said Allen.
Allen added it’s not just students who are struggling.
“We also offer services to faculty and staff as well,” said Allen. “We do have staff members that come and use the pantry, no one is immune to the need.”
The Bear Pantry is available nine times per semester for anyone a part of the MSU community.
MSU Director of Community Engaged Learning, Alex Dawson, said the campus is working to break stigmas involved with asking for help.
“This pantry is here for a reason, we’re here to serve you,” said Dawson. “Students are also more than welcomed to schedule an appointment with us.”
Dawson said the university is also accepting donations to help the pantry become a sustainable resource for students.
The Bear Pantry is open Monday through Friday from 9am – 5pm.
