Food insecurity is an issue that many university students face. The Student Food Pantry was founded in 2011 and has served many University of Oregon students throughout the years, but its services have limitations. The Student Food Pantry is a small space that gets most of their food from the local food bank, which doesn’t always have access to high-protein, nonperishable food. 

This service grant was able to provide the needed supply of high-protein, nonperishable foods, while educating students about the issues of food insecurity and the importance of adequate nutrition. Penny Parks educated the university community on the extent of food insecurity in Oregon, Lane County, and in our own campus community. The educational component also touched on how the lack of proper nutrition affects learning and brain development.