On Thursday, March 7, the University of Maryland College of Education opened its new EdTerps Pantry in response to the growing number of students who are food insecure.
Located in the Student Lounge (Room 0211) in the Benjamin Building, the pantry includes a cabinet and refrigerator stocked with substantial snacks and easy-to-make meal items such as fresh fruits, yogurt, granola bars, trail mix and instant soups. The pantry is accessible whenever the building is open, and items are restocked once a week.
“Our college is committed to building and sustaining a community of care,” said Dean Kimberly Griffin. “We are always seeking ways to support our students’ health, well-being and academic and career success.”
Research shows that college students who have enough to eat earn higher grades and report better mental health outcomes.
“This effort acknowledges the realities of many students’ food insecurity and demonstrates our college’s collective commitment to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their circumstances,” said Baili Park, a master’s student in higher education, student affairs and international education policy, higher education concentration. “Knowing that my peers have already used the pantry and found security in it underscores its importance. The pantry provides not just food but a sense of stability and reassurance.”
Faculty and staff interested in donating items to the EdTerps Pantry should contact Chief of Staff Andrea Norris at anorris@umd.edu or donate to the college’s Greatest Needs Fund.
The university also offers several resources for students experiencing food, housing and financial insecurity.
