Grocery Run Helps Stock Food Pantry
This fall, St. John Fisher College students participated in the East Avenue Grocery Run, an annual 5K run and walk that supports local organizations who address food insecurity in the community. Fisher students ran to support the College’s Food Pantry, a place where members of the College community facing food insecurity have access to food, free of charge.
Launched in 2017 to address the food insecurity students on campus may face, the food pantry is located in the Donald E. Bain Campus Center, between Wilson Formal Lounge and the Mainstage. The pantry runs solely off donations from faculty, staff, students, or anyone who wants to contribute.
Emily Dwyer, a junior nursing major, organized Fisher’s involvement in the Grocery Run as part of her role as a peer minister for service through the Office of Campus Ministry. Dr. Jill Swiencicki, associate professor, approached Dwyer about the Grocery Run, and she agreed it was a great chance to help the food pantry.
“This was a perfect opportunity to make connections, raise money for our food pantry, and also help those in need that live in our surrounding communities,” Dwyer said. “The food pantry is a judge-free area to meet one of the most important basic needs: food. One of my favorite things about the food pantry is that there are no questions asked: we are blind to need. It is simple, if you are hungry, we will feed you (to the best of our abilities).”
Dwyer said one of the biggest challenges is keeping the pantry stocked. Items in need include macaroni and cheese, stews and soups, nutritious granola bars, pre-packaged nuts, and other healthy snack food. Monetary donations to support the purchase of food for the pantry can made online.