At the University of North Dakota, a campus-wide challenge aims to raise awareness and support for the Food for Thought Food Pantry. Kristi Okerlund, who oversees student involvement, emphasizes that one of the best ways to help students succeed is by ensuring they have enough to eat. “Hunger and academic success just don’t mix,” she says.
Last year, the first Pack the Pantry Campus Challenge collected 3,594 food items and raised $4,325. This year’s challenge runs from February 19 to March 5, with 17 teams participating—up from 14 last year. Maridee Shogren, dean of the College of Nursing and Professional Disciplines, hopes the contributions will surpass last year’s totals.
As of February 26, the leading teams include Hunger Heroes from housing and residence life, Alphabet Soup from Chester Fritz Library, and McCANnel Hall. Hunger Heroes donated 448 pantry items. Alphabet Soup contributed 66 items and $310 online, while McCANnel Hall brought in 355 items.
This initiative comes from the college’s strategic plan, which emphasizes community outreach. Shogren shares how it saddens her to know some students go hungry. She believes it’s vital for all students to access food support without feeling judged. Commonly requested items, like rice and laundry soap, vanish quickly, highlighting a genuine need.
Around the same time as the challenge, the Feeding Futures Presentation addressed food insecurity at UND. Faculty and students discussed the impacts of hunger on education and presented potential solutions such as emergency food stipends and universal campus meals. Jeffrey Anvari-Clark, a social work assistant professor, noted that while college students are older and expected to manage budgets, many still face financial barriers similar to younger students.
Food insecurity is not only a pressing issue at UND but across the nation. According to a report by the Hope Center for College, 41% of college students experience food insecurity. This statistic reflects a growing trend in higher education, where many students are forced to choose between tuition and basic needs, impacting their overall academic experience.
Efforts like Pack the Pantry not only alleviate hunger but foster community spirit. As Okerlund mentioned, “Word travels quickly when new items arrive.” The campus community is rallying together to support one another, ensuring that no student has to struggle alone.
