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Nourish and Sustain: A College Food Pantry Initiative to Combat Food Insecurity

  • Writer: gphscholars
    gphscholars
  • Jul 23
  • 1 min read

Presenter: Calvin Sherman, Biology, Global Public Health Scholars

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For my practicum, I volunteered at the University of Maryland’s Campus Pantry where I contributed to addressing food insecurity on campus. My responsibilities included helping with food distribution, cleaning up after pantry sessions, and conducting inventory to ensure shelves were properly stocked and organized. Through this experience, I gained a deeper understanding of how food insecurity impacts college students’ academic performance, physical and mental health, and overall well-being. I saw firsthand how important it is to have accessible resources for students who may be struggling financially or personally. Working at the Pantry also showed me how a supportive and respectful environment can reduce the stigma often associated with needing help. Although balancing my volunteer work with a busy academic schedule was challenging, it was rewarding to know that my efforts were contributing to a greater cause. I learned how essential food pantries are as a part of public health, providing not just meals but also stability and community for those in need. This experience helped me understand that public health is not only about treating illness but also about creating systems that support people’s basic needs. The Campus Pantry plays a key role in promoting health equity by ensuring that everyone has access to nutritious food regardless of their circumstances. It also highlighted the importance of raising awareness and encouraging open conversations about food insecurity so that more students feel empowered to seek help and support one another.

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