Marywood University Celebrates the Official Opening of Its Pacer Pantry
Marywood University will celebrate its official opening of its Pacer Pantry with an open house on Tuesday, February 25, 2020, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Pacer Pantry is located at Emmanuel Hall (on the ground floor) on the University’s campus.
Food insecurity is a growing concern on college campuses throughout the country. Marywood’s local response to this nationwide issue is the Pacer Pantry, a name chosen by Marywood students, to benefit students and staff who may struggle with food insecurity. Fighting hunger—whether on a global scale or right in your own community—requires awareness. Advocacy and action are part of the solution, but the fact that food insecurity is a real problem that exists on college campuses across the nation is an eye opener for many.
Various Marywood University departments, deans, faculty members, student groups, and Friends of the Poor (a sponsored ministry of the IHM Congregation) collaborated to make the Pacer Pantry a reality. Sister Elizabeth McGill, IHM, an IHM novice and a Marywood graduate, headed the project.
“People across the country, especially college students, face serious financial challenges, which lead to food insecurity. The Pacer Pantry is Marywood’s response to that,” said Sister Elizabeth. “We want to make sure that every person has what they need to succeed at Marywood. A community that takes care of its members is a stronger community. Everyone should feel welcome, no matter what the need. It’s part of our responsibility.”
The open house gives students and staff the first opportunity to see the pantry, get their ID cards coded, volunteer, and be entered to win raffle prizes during the event. The Pacer Pantry will be available during the academic year on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, from 7 a.m. – 9 p.m., and Friday, from 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. Volunteer days will be on Wednesdays and Saturdays. To be eligible for services or to volunteer, one must be enrolled for courses or currently employed at Marywood University. Entry to the Pacer Pantry, for both volunteers and patrons, requires Marywood ID card access.
Donations are always welcome, including non-perishable food, small toiletries, and school supplies, and should be marked, “For Pacer Pantry.” Donations can be given directly to the Friends of the Poor Office at the Domiano Center on the University’s campus. Volunteers are needed to stock shelves, take inventory, and clean. For additional information, please email PacerPantry@marywood.edu.