Story by Amanda Lorenzo
The MSU Denver Food Bank is in need of donations after a rush of customers at the beginning of the fall semester depleted its supply.
Due to the economy and this semester’s financial aid issues, the food bank has been emptying its shelves more quickly than in previous semesters, according to junior Jaclyn O’Hara, one of the two coordinators at the food bank.
O’Hara said that the highest demand foods are easy and on-the-go items.
“Examples include granola bars, pre-made meals and canned goods with pop-lid tops,” she said.
O’Hara said that the food bank has around 225 students registered to use it right now but typically reaches 400 registered students by the end of the semester. According to the Office of Marketing and Communications, the food bank serves an average of 18 students per day.
All MSU Denver students are welcome to use the food bank’s services. The only requirements are that students have valid MSU Denver IDs and that they complete a registration form for the first visit. Registration forms are kept confidential.
O’Hara believes that the food bank is helpful, despite its size.
“Although we are small, I know that just from talking to the students who come in here that it is money that the students don’t have to spend, and that’s less stress [on] their plate,” she said.
Freshman Megan Rahal confirms O’Hara’s observation.
“I really appreciate the food bank, especially on the weeks I’m waiting for my paycheck to come through and I can’t afford to go to the grocery store or eat out,” Rahal said.
Not all students are aware that the food bank, located at Tivoli 145A inside Sigi’s Pool Hall, is available to them. Sophomore John Kwamya was unaware of the food bank and said he would have supported it if he had known that there was one. He suggested pushing food drives and recruiting local businesses to donate.
“Get [the food bank] on the opening page of the [MSU Denver] website at least,” Kwamya said.
The food bank does a food drive once each fall and spring semester. According to a spring 2012 survey, protein products are in the highest demand. Donors are encouraged to bring canned meats such as chicken or tuna. This semester’s food drive will begin Oct. 15 and will run for about a month.
Donations can be monetary or they can be non-perishable, non-expired food items or toiletries.
Acceptable toiletries are shampoo, deodorant, soap, toilet paper, toothbrushes/paste, and hand sanitizer. Monetary donations can be checks made out to the MSU Denver Food Bank or gift cards to food retailers.
People: Jaclyn O'Hara
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