During the week of Nov. 8-12, the LMU Food Pantry and Sursum Corda, an LMU service organization focused on food justice, are partnering up for Food Justice Week to raise awareness about food insecurity in L.A. and around the world. According to a survey by the Wisconsin Hope Lab, “one in three students on college campuses across the nation faces food insecurity,” making it difficult to focus on academic achievement when they may not know where their next meal will come from.
“Food Justice Week is a weeklong event where Sursum Corda takes the opportunity to educate and provide hands-on learning for the community about the topic of food insecurity,” shared John Reichmuth, ’23, a recording arts major and student liaison for the LMU Food Pantry.
The LMU Food Pantry operates on the honor system and allows students to enter a space and take the food they need confidentially. Students can find anything from a quick snack to help keep them fueled in class, fresh fruit, beverages and staples like canned meats, pasta and sauces to make healthy, and nutritious meals. The pantry also includes hygiene products. Check out the LMU Food Pantry’s Instagram account for how their team turns these donations into nutritious recipes students can create on their own.
The LMU Food Pantry was established in 2017 to provide free food to any LMU student who may experience hunger or food insecurity due to financial hardships. Located in St. Robert’s Annex, the pantry is accessible to everyone on campus and is open 24/7 with OneCard access. The pantry on-campus plays an important role in the lives of students across campus. “As we grow our program, we hope to grow our team supporting the food pantry, partner with a local food bank to gain access to fresh produce, expand to a larger location on-campus and help provide support for students when filling out a CalFresh application,” said Carolina Martinez, senior administrative coordinator in the Center for Service and Action.
The Food Pantry also has various resources available for students who may be experiencing food insecurity but who may not necessarily be going hungry. These resources include a growing recipe book of healthy, budget friendly meals, guidance for students applying to federal aid programs, and a network of community partners dedicated to supporting those who may be food insecure.
How can you support the LMU Food Pantry this week?
All week long, Sursum Corda will be collecting non-perishable food to donate to the on-campus food pantry. Additionally, LMU Staff Senate is also hosting a Thanksgiving Food Drive from Nov. 8-19. Drop off non-perishable donations in boxes placed on campus for anyone to drop off items at Einstein Bagels in University Hall, Starbucks in Hannon Library, Von Der Ahe entrance on Alumni Mall, and Burns Recreation Center. All donations are greatly appreciated and support our students in need.
The LMU community can also donate to the LMU Food Pantry by purchasing items from their Amazon Wish List. These items are some of the most needed by students in our community and are shipped directly to the Food Pantry to keep it restocked.
Items most needed in the LMU Food Pantry right now are:
- Cereal;
- Granola bars;
- Single-serving snacks;
- Pasta;
- Pasta sauce;
- Fresh produce;
- And dairy products.
Check out all of the events happening for Food Justice Week below, or view the full calendar here.
Monday, Nov. 8 at 7:30 p.m. | Hilton 023
“A Place at the Table” Screening
A documentary screening relating to food insecurity (A Place at the Table, Rooted, Kiss the Ground, etc.) with a short discussion afterward. RSVP here.
Tuesday, Nov. 9 at 4 p.m. | O’Malley Lawn
Thanksgiving Dinner Kit Packing with the Food Pantry
Join the LMU Food Pantry staff and members of Sursum Corda in creating care packages full of Thanksgiving staples. These single-serving Thanksgiving dinners will be available in the Food Pantry for students who can’t make it home for Thanksgiving this year, and some will go to St. Margaret’s Center of Catholic Charities of L.A. in Inglewood. RSVP here.
Wednesday, Nov. 10 at 11 a.m. | Regents Grass
Tabling at Wellness Wednesday
Thursday, Nov. 11 at 4:30 p.m. | St. Rob’s Lawn
Potluck
Friday, Nov. 12 at 10 a.m.
Service Take Along – Beach Clean Up
To learn more about the LMU Food Pantry, visit the website or connect with them on Instagram.