University Offers Unique Service for Hungry Students with Little Money

Victor Skinner : Oct 21, 2016
EAGNews.org

Dean of Students, Tim Miller said] the students give a lot to the community, so the community is helping the students.

(Washington, DC) — [EAGNews.org] George Washington University students are so broke they can't afford food, so school officials launched a food pantry to help them get by. (Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons)

"You cannot imagine how much RELIEF this gift has brought me on so many levels," one student wrote in an anonymous note left at GW's new pantry, known as "The Store." "Yes we go to GW. Yes we sometimes can't afford food. Thank you for hearing our voice and caring. I love you too."

GW Associate Dean of Students Tim Miller worked with GW Class Council to start The Store, which is run by volunteers who purchase food from the Capital Area Food Bank with donated funds, NBC Washington reports.

The Store is stocked with fresh produce as well as canned and boxed foods that students are free to take anonymously by swiping their student cards. The Store uses student email addresses to send updates when new food is in stock, and a Google form for students to leave feedback and suggestions, according to the news site. (Photo Credit: EAG News.org)

Miller said The Store is intentionally tucked into a quiet hallway to allow students to get in and out with discretion.

"This can be an embarrassing thing for people sometimes," he said. "For us, this is all about being of service to those students … And if that's what they need to feel good about this, then we're going to provide them that. I don't need to know who they are."

The food is provided to anyone who claims they need it.

"We have faith if you say you need this, then you need it," Miller said.

Miller told NPR students give a lot to the community, so the community is helping the students.

"The population at GW does a lot in the city," Miller said. "They intern a great deal. So we have a plan that allows students to meet that need."

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