Single meal or Thanksgiving box available at food pantries

As manager of the food pantry on the University of North Georgia's (UNG) Dahlonega Campus, Sherry Parker knows the food insecurity issues students, faculty and staff face.

"Some people can't afford to eat in the dining hall or café in Hoag Student Center, and they don't feel comfortable going there," Parker, an administrative assistant for the Department of Psychological Science, said. "I wanted to create a space where they could make a single meal, eat it and hang out."

That place now is a reality. The Basic Needs Hub is located on the back porch of the Historic Vickery House, which is the headquarters for the College of Education's Appalachian Studies Center.

The hub is outfitted with a refrigerator, microwave and coffee station along with paper plates and utensils. Several single-serving products such as microwavable soups, portions of pasta, breakfast bars, and granola snacks are stored in cabinets. All are available for students, faculty and staff at no charge.

Parker said students, faculty and staff are also welcome to visit the food pantry inside the Vickery House. The pantry operates like a supermarket with shelf-stable items on display. Frozen foods and other cooler items are stored in the refrigerator and freezer.

"People are allowed to shop for what they want and need," she said, explaining clients are asked to fill out confidential forms for tracking purposes.

The food pantry on UNG's Gainesville Campus follows the same model. Clients provide their UNG IDs, names, email addresses, and phone number, and then select their food products. The difference is clients can pick up their food in person inside the Student Center or opt for curbside delivery.

Domini'que Allen, assistant manager of the Gainesville food pantry, explained the pantry transitioned to a curbside delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on its success, the pantry has maintained that option.

Clients fill out a curbside intake form, which is available in Spanish and English. They select a pickup time frame and call the pantry once they reach campus.

The registration form will be used for the Gainesville Campus pantry's Thanksgiving box giveaway. Allen said the pantry will supply between 10 and 20 boxes filled with food needed to create a Thanksgiving meal.

"When I think about Thanksgiving, it is a celebration of what has happened in a year," the graduate student in UNG's human services and delivery administration program said. "This past year, many of our families have survived. And I believe everyone deserves to celebrate."

The Thanksgiving boxes will include mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, four cans of vegetables, two cans of fruit, and a dessert. As the main entrée, a chicken will round out the feast.

Both pantries supply the food products through donations as well as connections to local food banks. Both follow the same principle, too.

"Our model is 'Take what you need, leave what you don't, and give what you can,'" Parker said.

For more information about each food pantry including hours and donations needed, visit the UNG food pantries website.