As many are preparing for their holiday celebrations, some college students are wondering where they will get their next meals.  To help combat this problem, USC Salkehatchie has opened food pantries on both the Walterboro and Allendale campuses to help students facing food insecurity. Estimates indicate that about half of U.S. college students lack the resources needed to feed themselves nutritiously or consistently.  This often leads to students missing classes and, ultimately, poor academic performance. 

“We are happy to be able to confidentially provide free food and toiletries to students who may otherwise spend their day hungry,” Jackson Alexander, Director of the USC Salkehatchie Leadership Institute, said. “Students who face food insecurity may struggle to focus academically and may eventually drop out of college.  Our food pantries are an additional support we can provide to help ensure student success.”

The pantries will serve approximately 400 students and operate out of the campus shops each Tuesday and Friday from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.  Students simply present their Carolina Cards to receive items from the food pantry.  Recipient information is not recorded. 

Funding for the pantries is provided by The Sisters of Charity, the Coastal Community Foundation Winthrop Fund as well as individual donations. Anyone who wishes to help with the food pantry can do so.

 “We welcome donations of non-perishable goods.  Just drop them by the Campus Shop on each campus,” Suzanne Goodson, Salkehatchie grants manager, said.  “We are grateful that several of our athletics teams have recently helped to stock our shelves by making food contributions.”

Proteins, vegetables, fruits and toiletries are a few of the most needed items. 

For more information about the USC Salkehatchie Food Pantries contact Suzanne Goodson or Lamar Hewett in the Campus Shop on either campus.