College students have a lot to do, from full-time studies and part-time jobs, to families and other responsibilities. But did you know that approximately 40% of American college students suffer from food insecurity—that is, a lack of reliable access to sufficient amounts of affordable, nutritious food?
Fortunately, Lyon College students have access to the Serve Our Students (SOS) food pantry, which provides additional food to those in need at Lyon College. A service of Lyon College’s office of chaplaincy, Reverend Maggie Alsup, the Pantry is located in Student Life at Edwards Commons and is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and by special request on weekends. -ends and semester holidays.
The pantry depends on donations from faculty, staff and community members. The Chaplain’s Office expanded the pantry this semester to provide toiletries and household items in addition to non-perishable food. At the December Lyon College Board meeting, members donated food for the pantry. Reverend Alsup said the donations will feed about 60 students.
“It was inspiring to see the overwhelming support from the board and others for Lyon College,” said Skip Rutherford, Lyon trustee and dean emeritus of the Clinton School of Public Service at the University of Arkansas. .
Rutherford, who initiated the request for donations, said, “Student hunger doesn’t magically disappear at the end of the semester. Having adequate supplies to help those who are food insecure during the winter holidays is the right thing to do.
Reverend Alsup said: “The help offered by the pantry allows students to focus on their lessons and not worry about their accessibility to food and other necessities. With the help of staff and faculty throughout the fall, we were able to serve our students. With the additional gift from the board, we are able to continue doing this through the holidays and into the spring semester.”
Individuals, churches, and organizations wishing to help the pantry serve students can donate non-perishable, easy-to-open foods such as canned tuna and chicken, crackers, cereal, pasta noodles and canned sauce and ramen. There is also a need for laundry detergent and dish soap. Those wishing to donate cash can send a check payable to Campus Ministry/Food Pantry to Chaplain’s Office, Lyon College, 2300 Highland Rd., Batesville, AR 72501. To donate online, visit Lyon.edu /give, choose Lyon College, and put “For Food Pantry” in the comments section.
