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DENVER (KDVR) — Students at Metropolitan State University of Denver are asking for donations to the school’s food pantry to help ensure their classmates don’t go hungry amid the federal government shutdown.
A 2024 study by research firm Trellis Strategies found that about half of MSU Denver’s roughly 18,000 students experience food insecurity. Many of those students are without food assistance this month, as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits remain in limbo during the government shutdown.
Rowdy’s Corner, the university’s on-campus food pantry, has seen a significant increase in demand this semester. The pantry now serves about 1,700 students each month, up from about 1,000 this time last year.
“You want to go to school and make these changes, but you need to eat and put your basic human needs first,” said Meley Hagos, an MSU Denver junior who works at Rowdy’s Corner.
Hagos relies on SNAP benefits herself, alongside about 14% of the MSU Denver student body.
“Money on my card hasn’t run out yet,” said Hagos. “So, it still hasn’t really hit me.”
University leaders said they’re looking to buy extra food for the pantry, so students can focus on classes instead of worrying about where their next meal will come from.
“Being able to supplement those options here on campus is really important for us to make sure that folks can stay healthy and also stay engaged in their school,” said Taylor Tackett, associate vice president for student engagement and well-being and dean of students. “This is happening right in the middle of the semester, and being able to persist moving forward is our central goal.”
Hagos said the food pantry isn’t a replacement for SNAP benefits. She said it doesn’t have the same options as the grocery store, and wouldn’t be able to provide three meals a day for every student in need. However, until her EBT card is refilled, it’s a big help.
“It can’t obviously fit all of the same needs that SNAP was, but it does help,” she said. “If you’re on campus, we have some ready-to-eat meal items — like we usually have ramen. I think stuff like that is really important so you’re able to get a lunch or a snack during the school day.”
According to the university, Rowdy’s Corner’s most-needed items include:
- Snack items
- Drinks
- Ramen cup noodles
- Ready-to-eat or simple-to-fix meals
- Travel-sized personal care products
- Feminine care products
Rowdy’s Corner is accepting both food and monetary donations. You can also drop food off at collection bins across the MSU Denver campus.
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Anthony Sutton is a business strategist and writer with a passion for management, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With years of experience in the corporate world, he shares insights on business growth, strategy, and innovation through management-opleiding.org.
