By Steve Nakata, Administrative Services
PULLMAN, Wash. – Washington State University’s Student Support Services will conduct a food drive 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7, at Dissmore’s IGA to provide for students this academic year.
Nearly 100 students visited the SSS food pantry last year, and the start of the school year is especially busy: “The pantry sees a spike in students needing food while they wait for their financial aid or are getting their finances settled,” said event coordinator Ray Acuña Luna.
Suggested donations include canned fruits, vegetables and meats, dried grains, paper products and hygiene items.
Food and cash donations are welcome year-round at the SSS office in WSU’s Lighty Student Services Building 260 during normal business hours. Pickups from other campus locations can be arranged by contacting Acuña Luna at ray.acuna@wsu.edu.
While the SSS caters to low-income and first-generation students, any WSU student is welcome to visit the food pantry in Lighty 260.
Students who lack proper nutrition also lack the energy to be successful in school, said Angie Klimko, SSS academic coordinator and retention specialist.
“The pantry has been life changing for some of them because they have been going without food and not letting anyone know,” she said. “They are very grateful and are careful not to take more than they need.”
Most of the students using the pantry live in off-campus housing.
Contacts:
Ray Acuña Luna, WSU College Assistance Migrant Program, 509-335-7649, ray.acuna@wsu.edu
Angie Klimko, WSU Student Support Services, 509-335-4736, a.klimko@wsu.edu