Fall Updates: Gardens, Giving & Getting- Oh my!
The semester is now in full swing and, so far, so good! We are still taking all necessary precautions to mitigate spread of Covid-19, and we are grateful for your continued patience as we navigate the increased demand for services. This past month has been our biggest EVER! The UM Food Pantry distributed 1,842 lbs. of food and hygiene products to 85+ households throughout the month of September.
As the growing season coming to an end, so will our weekly garden distributions. This program has been hugely successful! So far we have distributed 345 lbs. of fruit, vegetables & herbs that were grown right behind the University Center building. We have also seen more student engagement with the pantry and received lots of great feedback. We are hoping to do it again next summer! Our final distribution will take place next Wednesday, October 6th in the University Center from 10 am — 12 pm.
We are currently in the process of identifying our students’ biggest barriers to eating healthy meals. This information will help to guide our services going forward. If you haven’t already, please take a moment to participate in our quick survey.
We would also like to let folks know that we have a new satellite shelf located in the basement study lounge of Alexander Blewett Law School, just next to the vending machines. If you are unable to make it over to our main location for whatever reason, please feel free to utilize this shelf!
In other news, University United Food Friday is coming up next week! This community-wide event is a great opportunity to combat food insecurity in Missoula County. We will be helping to package 90,000 meals to be distributed through Missoula Food Bank’s EmPower Pack nutrition program, which provides healthy meals for students who experience chronic hunger while away from school. This event will be held on October 8th in the University Center Ballroom, from 10:00 am — 2:30 pm. If you are interested in volunteering, please register here.
Next, many Thanks are in order.
Last month, Grace United Methodist Church sponsored a donation drive that resulted in over 125 lbs. of food & infant care products for the UM Food Pantry. Additionally, HypeHouse Cycling Studio raised over $550 for the UM Food Pantry during their annual ride on the Oval. Thank You, Grace United Methodist Church & HypeHouse Cycling Studio for your generous shows of support for the UM Food Pantry! Your contributions will make a real impact for students experiencing food insecurity. ❤
Finally, We are SO excited to announce that Kat Cowley has been hired to direct the new Basic Needs Agency here at ASUM.
Kat was one of the driving forces behind the creation of the UM Food Pantry when she was a student at UM, and we know that she will continue to be a fierce advocate for students experiencing basic needs insecurity. Welcome, Kat!
Stay tuned for more information about SNAP, Can the Cats, and other news!
