Hundreds of students at Southern Illinois University Carbondale face food insecurity each year. To help them, the Saluki Food Pantry plays a vital role in providing essential food support. On September 29, a special event involving former SIU System President Glenn Poshard will kick off a food drive to restock the pantry for the new academic year.
Glenn Poshard, who has three degrees from SIU and served as a state senator and in Congress, will host a free poetry reading titled “Beginnings and Endings” at 11 a.m. in Ballroom B of the Student Center. Attendees are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items, as well as monetary donations. Poshard will suggest that the pantry be included in the Poshard Foundation’s future charitable contributions.
After the event, there will be tours of the pantry. Community members can park for free in Lot 13, located just across from the Student Center.
Numbers Behind the Impact
During the 2024-2025 school year, 280 students and their dependents accessed food from the Saluki Food Pantry. This support allows students to focus on their studies without the stress of food insecurity. Emily Spann, associate director of the Student Center, notes that more than half of these students visited the pantry multiple times. Alarmingly, 236 of them did not have a meal plan. Most of the users were full-time students juggling jobs, and 63% were first-generation college attendees.
Since opening in 2016, the pantry has helped over 7,300 individuals. Research shows that about one-third of college students experience food insecurity, which can hinder their academic performance.
Always in Need
Donations are essential for keeping the pantry running. In addition to contributions at the poetry reading, donations can be dropped off daily at the Student Center administrative office between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. For larger donations or food drives, organizations can reach out via email at foodpantry@siu.edu.
The pantry particularly welcomes items like:
- Canned goods (vegetables, meats, fruits, etc.)
- Instant meals (mac and cheese, ramen, etc.)
- Breakfast items (oatmeal, breakfast bars)
- Staples (rice, pasta, beans)
- Snacks (granola bars, trail mix)
Monetary donations can also make a significant impact. They help provide food so that each family member can eat for about three days. Further details are available on the Saluki Food Pantry’s website. Addressing food insecurity is crucial, as studies indicate that ensuring students have enough to eat can lead to improved academic performance and well-being.
