The Saluki Food Pantry at Southern Illinois University Carbondale is reaching out to the community for support as it continues its mission to assist students facing food insecurity. The 2023-2024 academic year set a new record for the pantry, with nearly 20,000 food items distributed to 549 students. The need remains high, as evidenced by the pantry’s recent assistance to 43 students in just the first three days of the current semester.
To sustain its operations and continue providing essential support, the pantry is seeking donations of nonperishable food items. Items in particular need include beans (such as kidney, refried, black), macaroni and cheese, pasta and spaghetti sauce, canned meats (like chicken and tuna), canned meals (such as SpaghettiOs and chili), white rice, ramen noodles, peanut butter, and various snacks and breakfast items.
Donations can be dropped off at the Student Center’s administrative office on the second floor, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For larger donations or to coordinate a food drive, individuals and organizations are encouraged to contact the pantry via email at foodpantry@siu.edu. Additionally, monetary contributions can be made through the “online giving” tab on the pantry’s website.
Since its inception in the fall of 2016, the Saluki Food Pantry has been dedicated to addressing food insecurity among students, providing enough food to feed each household member for approximately three days. The support of the community is crucial in ensuring that students can concentrate on their educational goals without the added stress of food scarcity.
