| I’m consistently impressed by our University of Idaho students’ care for one another. Their generosity and willingness to step up and serve others is what makes our Vandal Family special. The Vandal Food Pantry is the latest example of our community working together and giving back to those in need. The pantry now has a physical presence in Shoup Hall, allowing volunteers to provide a higher level of service and resources to students and employees facing food insecurity. “We wanted to create a consistent presence and an enjoyable space for everyone,” said Meggie Cafferty, who worked with students to transform an ad hoc food distribution system into something more. “We want it to have more of a grocery store feel and make it so that anyone in our U of I community can come in and feel comfortable, no questions asked.” The Department of Student Involvement in the Division of Student Affairs has worked toward relieving food insecurity on campus and in the wider community in different ways over the past decade. Their campus cabinet system and regular drive-through events have been well received and may continue, but a brick-and-mortar location was always the goal. The project is donor-funded. Fraternities and sororities, ROTC groups, ASUI staff, student staff from the Office of Multicultural Affairs and others donated time and resources to help make the pantry a reality. “We’ve had great collaboration across campus,” said Cafferty, assistant director of fraternity and sorority life and community engagement. A roster of volunteers is ready to serve at the new pantry. They also hope to offer vouchers for the dining halls and add refrigerators to store fresher, healthier food. “Through the Vandal Food Pantry, we will be able to help students focus on what they need to be doing – studying – and not have to worry about where their next meal may be coming from,” said Blaine Eckles, vice provost for student affairs and dean of students. “I’m proud of the efforts that went into the creation of the food pantry. This is just another example of what it means to be a member of the Vandal Family.” | 
