Board of Regents Contributions Fund Student Food Security Through The Store

The Store, a food pantry operated by the Paul L. Foster Success Center’s Student Success Initiatives, opened in December 2017 and was recently funded for the 2019-2020 academic year by the Board of Regents. The Store provides students with and normalizes access to supplemental, nutritious food resources so students can thrive. The Store is free and saw a record number of students the past spring semester.

“We are extremely grateful for the generous donations from the members of the Board of Regents,” said Michelle Cohenour, director of Student Success Initiatives at Baylor. “Their donations came at a critical time for our food pantry since we had a record 2,677 visits to The Store during the spring semester.”

In February, a panel of undergraduate and graduate student leaders on student financial well-being spoke to the Regents’ Student Life Committee on the way food insecurity can impact the student experience. The discussion led the full Board to commit to funding The Store through more than $27,000 in personal contributions.

Student Food Insecurity

Researchers estimate that between 15 and 20% of Baylor students are food insecure, meaning they do not have reliable access to nutritional food with more than 92% of at-risk populations like first-generation, transfer and international students experiencing some level of food insecurity. Destigmatizing access to food resources is key as researchers also found that it is difficult for students to admit being hungry at an institution where other students are perceived to have abundant resources.

The Store also stocks personal hygiene and toiletry items that are likely to be needed by those affected by food insecurity. Other initiatives have also taken aim at food insecurity like The Fridge, mini-fridges placed throughout campus for students needing it can quickly access snacks and healthy meals, free mobile food pantries and reoccurring free farmers markets for students each semester.

Donating and Student Use

Support from the Baylor Family and community members continues the impact of The Store and other food security efforts like The Fridge, the Baylor Mobile Food Pantry and the Baylor Free Farmers Market. Free food events for students help students in need and destigmatize food security efforts.

“We continue to be blessed to receive canned goods and food donations from faculty, staff, students and community members, in addition to volunteers who help us to keep the shelves stocked for students,” said Cohenour. “It truly takes the Baylor Family coming together to meet this important student need.”

Here is some need-to-know information to aid students who need food resources and contribute to The Store’s success:

• The Store is located in Sid Richardson 047, east wing, lower level
• The Store is open for donations and student access Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Students fill out a brief form before selecting items they need
• Students can access The Store twice a month
• A list of greatest needs can be found on The Store’s website
• The Store has an Amazon Wishlist linked on its website that provides easy donation options
• Monetary donations can be applied to The Store Food Pantry fund by searching the fund at baylor.edu/give
• Interest in volunteering with The Store or questions about the Store, contact Michelle Cohenour at michelle_cohenour@baylor.edu or 254-710-3478

For more information on The Store and other food security resources, visit the Student Success Initiatives website at baylor.edu/ssi.