Trojan Pantry asks community to “Give Us a Five”

This academic year, Trojan Pantry is introducing a new campaign called “Give Us a Five” in which they encourage people to donate just $5on a monthly basis. 

“Just like a high five, the Trojan Pantry is a source of encouragement and support that is vital for student success,” said Lauren Cochran, the coordinator of the Office of Civic Engagement. “Our goal is to reach 200 donors giving $5 each month to allow us to better support students – to ensure the lack of access to basic needs is not a barrier to academic success.” 

If that goal is met, the pantry would be raising a total of $1,000 each month to fund the resources given to students. These resources include, on average, over 500 pounds of food, cleaning and hygiene products and school supplies. 

Cochran said students having this level of need is typical for colleges across the country. 

“Access to food and basic needs is a national issue among college students, and Troy is no exception,” Cochran said. “In our student surveys, we have found that food insecurity among our students is around 30%, consistent with national averages.” 

Though a monthly donation may seem like a big commitment to some, the Office of Civic Engagement has a strong source of information regarding student needs – the Student Government Association (SGA). 

“I oversee a team of senators who are on the frontlines and hear many students’ concerns and needs,” said SGA Executive Vice President Jayden McQueen, a senior political science major from Crestview, Florida. “As students are using increasingly more free resources, such as the Trojan Pantry, the Office of Civic Engagement is calling for more donors.  

“From rising prices in groceries to limited hours at the dining hall or Trojan Center, access to food is as important now as ever.” 

SGA connections aren’t the pantry’s only means of determining the needs of students, though. Pike Country as a whole is showing patterns of increasing financial need. 

“Food insecurity is a serious issue within Pike County, and the current cost of living seems to only be increasing,” said Daniel Mensah, a graduate assistant for the Office of Civic Engagement. “Students have many things to worry about and new situations to navigate.  

“Running low on food or having to choose between paying for rent, food and gas can be quite stressful. Situations like that can really impact a person's ability to study and even maintain their mental health.  

“Helping in this way is important for many reasons and may be the reason some can graduate and look back on their university experience with a smile on their face.” 

The Trojan Pantry is located in Trojan Village 200 and is open Monday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Students can visit www.troy.edu/pantry for more ways to volunteer, hold a food drive, or contribute financially to the pantry.