Student Government initiative to open later this month
The soon-to-launch Gamecock Pantry will offer much more than food to students and other members of the USC community in need. The Student Government initiative that was a staple in Student Body President Chase Mizzell’s campaign will officially open later this month, but has already served its first student, Mizzell said at an early October student senate meeting. In addition to providing food, it will help students who are dealing with sickness, unemployment, depression, stress or any other sort of issue they may be facing, said its director, Claire Kimpton. The pantry and its staff will try to find help for those who may need counseling, legal assistance or help paying rent.
“Students are wanting and needing someone who cares to make this a better place,” said Kimpton, a fourth-year international studies and business management student. “It’s about a caring heart and a caring hand. What a better way to do it than with food? Being able to feed someone and hold their hand and letting them know you can relate to them (is what it’s all about).”
SG officials began discussing the project more than a year ago with other students, faculty and staff.
The pantry is a simple solution to filling students’ essential needs, Mizzell said.
“There are real students with real needs. This is going to be part of the solution,” Mizzell said.
The pantry is not just for students who are poor, Kimpton said. It is meant to provide resources that all students need to succeed. Everything will be kept confidential and anonymous.
“One of the main points that the pantry stresses is seeing these issues as circumstances and situations rather than poverty because the idea of hunger is skewed here on campus,” Kimpton said. “Students don’t talk about it, but there is a dire need.”
The Gamecock Pantry is looking to have at least 20 student and community organizations pledge to help. In order to join the pledge list for the pantry, an organization needs to donate $250 and 250 canned goods. The pantry currently has had seven organizations pledge.
The Gamecock Pantry is entirely student run and looking for a core group of 40 students to volunteer. After applying, volunteers must go through an interview process and will be trained once accepted.
The Gamecock Pantry is also looking for donations of canned foods. Donations may be dropped off at the Campus Life Center.
The Gamecock Pantry will be opening at its new location in McBryde Quadrangle A next to Sumter Street.