The UMKC Kangaroo Pantry has expanded its reach to help more Roos in need as the pandemic has left more hungry.
During the 2019-2020 school year, the pantry distributed 9,873 pounds of food. Last school year, their output more than doubled, as they distributed 22,140 pounds.
"This is different than anything we've seen. We're seeing more students than we have probably seen in a very long time,——泰勒·布莱克蒙, 基本需求协调员说.
The pantry has been able to meet the increased need through things like donations and partnerships with companies and organizations such as Hiland Dairy, Whole Foods and Harvesters Community Food Network.
安东尼·马利, 高级项目经理, said financial donations and partnerships have been extremely important to the pantry over the last couple of years.
"We really couldn't operate without that financial assistance," Maly said.
2015年开业, the Kangaroo Pantry provides food assistance for all Roos in need, 包括学生, 教职员工. 因为捐赠, within the last year the pantry has seen some new additions, like a refrigerator and freezer that houses fresh produce, meats and free Hiland Dairy products.
The pantry has also expanded its offerings to include items such as feminine hygiene products, 狗粮和婴儿配方奶粉.
"We believe that no Roos should go without, and that includes hygiene products, 洗衣粉, 无论学生, faculty or staff might need to meet their most basic needs. We want to make sure that we can provide that," Maly said.
How to receive assistance from the Kangaroo Food Pantry:
如果你是堪萨斯大学的学生, faculty or staff member who needs assistance, bring your university ID to the pantry to shop during the pantry's open house hours. Masks or face coverings are required regardless of vaccination status.
All Roos are eligible to pick roughly 20 food items per week, but fresh produce does not count toward those 20 items.
While the pantry does place a limit on items, Blackmon说 they are willing to work with those who may have increased need for additional items.
"We do have some people who are utilizing this service that are shopping for their families and not just going back to their dorm rooms. 在这些情况下, especially if there are children involved, 您的物品不会被计算在内,布莱克蒙说.
"We believe that no Roos should go without.——安东尼·马利
地点及时间:
The Kangaroo Food Pantry's main location can be found at 4825 Troost, Room 103. It's open Tuesday 1:30-5:30 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday 1-5 p.m. 星期日下午3-6点.m.
If you are unable to make any of those hours, Blackmon说 appointments can be set up.
The main location features a "full client choice model" which means individuals can walk the aisles and 'shop' for the items they want, instead of simply picking up pre-packaged bags of items.
In addition to the main campus, 由于需求的增加, the Kangaroo Food Pantry has also launched two satellite locations. One is in the Health Science District, on the first floor (Room 1-402) of the School of Medicine. 早上8点开始营业.m.-5 p.m. for students to pick up pre-packaged bags of items.
The second satellite pantry is in the UMKC Student Union on the 2nd floor near Jazzman's. 食品储藏室是“架子式的”," meaning students walking by can quickly grab whatever they like without having to "check out,或预订.
Blackmon说 all of the locations are meant to encourage everyone to take advantage of the resources the Kangaroo Food Pantry offers.
“这是给你的. 这不是耻辱。”
How to support the Kangaroo Food Pantry:
While the pantry does accept donated non-perishable food, monetary donations are encouraged, as the pantry can stretch a dollar further through partnerships than the average grocery store shopper.
If you would like to make a financial contribution, 点击这里. Those interested in volunteering to work at the pantry can 在这里注册.
Another way to support the Kangaroo Pantry is to participate in the upcoming UMKC Virtual 5K which runs from Sept. 25日至10月3日. 登记 is $25 and all proceeds support the pantry.