BY AUSTIN RUFF
As students return to campus this fall, many are faced with the difficulty of balancing school, work and life. For many students, this can be extremely difficult, stressful and overwhelming. An unexpected trip to the hospital, family emergency, or slip-up with budgeting can have some students wondering where their next meal will come from.
Fortunately, Fort Hays State University has a number of options for students who may be food insecure. The Tiger Food Exchange, which is located on the first floor of Forsyth Library, provides a space for the distribution of produce from the campus garden, and as a place for students, faculty, or staff to pick up or drop off food from the pantry.
“Anyone can access these items,” Tiger Food Echange Co-Director Bob Duffy said, “If you’re in need or know someone who is, please know these items are available.”
The Tiger Food Exchange also offers information about cooking, nutrition and gardening. The pantry has canned and pre-packaged foods, meat from the university farm, as well as fresh and frozen produce from the campus garden. Students are asked to take no more than 10 items and put a checkmark on the posted list of the items they take.
Books on cooking, nutrition, and gardening can also be found, as well as additional information on food and hunger resources. Toiletries and laundry items are also available. The Tiger Food Exchange hosts a number of initiatives throughout the year to promote healthy eating and food security.
“Our events like during Thanksgiving and the Fourth of July are excellent opportunities for those who are food insecure to receive a large amount of good food,” Duffy said.
Victor E. Garden also provides students with an option for fresh fruits and vegetables.
“The campus garden provides the Tiger Food Exchange with a wide variety of fresh produce. It’s really wonderful,” Duffy said.
Anyone is welcome to sign up to help during planting and harvesting seasons. The garden is east of the Robbins Center near the creek.
Duffy urges students who might be hesitant to use the Tiger Food Exchange not to be concerned.
“Please don’t be afraid to come and get food. If you’re concerned, bring a friend or have a friend go for you,” Duffy said. “We don’t require any kind of identification, and often there’s no one around.”
Duffy also said not to worry if there is only one item left to take.
“Students are often scared to take an item if it’s the only one left. I assure you, we have more,” he said. “Please take what you need.”
Students are encouraged to utilize the resources provided by the Tiger Food Exchange.
“If you notice a friend struggling with food security, get the word out,” Duffy said. “Let your peers know that we’re here for them.”
If you would like to donate to the Tiger Food exchange, you can contact Duffy via email or by phone at 785-628-4401 or Peter Tramel via email or by phone at 785-628-5624, or stop by Forsyth Library.
“Lots of our donors are people who used the pantry during their time at FHSU,” Duffy said. “They know what you’re going through and want to help out.”
The Tiger Food Exchange has seen year-over-year growth in use since its establishment in 2012.
“Especially with the effects of the pandemic, we find more and more people are utilizing this resource,” Duffy said. “We hate to see so many people struggling, but we’re more than happy to help. I just want people to know that we’re here and this resource is available.”