Bearcat Pantry

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Bearcat Pantry

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Who We Are


The Bearcat Pantry is a collaborative effort among the Student Affairs Department, Student Affairs Committee, The Dr. Lyn Huxford Center for Community Service, and various faculty, staff, administration, alumni, and area churches who seek to eliminate barriers and challenges of food insecurity and hunger so that university students can remain at McKendree University and ultimately, earn their degrees.


Our Mission


The McK Bearcat Pantry provides free food, and limited hygiene items to students with food and other types of insecurities. The pantry also provides access to meals via our Swipe Out Hungry partnership with Sodexo that can be used at Ames Dining Hall. The pantry is meant to provide supplemental support which means we do not supply enough food to completely eradicate food insecurity.  Our goal is to assist students in need by cutting down on their grocery bills and connecting them to other resources in an effort to promote independence.  The Bearcat Pantry is here to support all students who are enrolled as students at McKendree University.

 

Bearcat Pantry Has Two Locations

 

         Bothwell Chapel First Floor

               Open Daily Monday - Friday 11:30am to 4:30 pm

               After Hour Access Please Call: 618-792-3500

 

         McKendree West Clubhouse

               Open Daily Monday - Friday 9am to 5pm

               After Hour Access Please Call: 618-537-3688


Bearcat Pantry Charge


To develop a resource distribution plan that meets food insecurity needs of McKendree University to assure academic and personal success.


What We Do


We offer two main resources to fulfill the food insecurity needs of McKendree University students and to educate them on the issue of food insecurity.

  • Food Pantry: Students who have a need, can visit our walk-in pantry (First Floor of Bothwell Chapel or the McKendree West Clubhouse).

  • Swipe-Out Hunger -- Hot Meal Ticket and or Limited Plan: Students  with meal plans who may be running a little short for the week, can contact the Coordinator of the Dr. Lyn Huxford Center for Community Service, Rev. Bev via email at blwilkes-null@mckendree.edu or at (618) 537-6962 for assistance.

Volunteers


Volunteers have several opportunities to assist the Pantry and our service to students.  During our regular hours, volunteers help students that come in to pick up food, as well as restock and organize the pantry.  Volunteers also help with our food drives by picking up and delivering food donations.  Volunteers may also represent the Pantry at campus events or be asked to complete other tasks as the needs arise!


Description of Duties


Assist pantry guests and users as they come in, stock and organize the Bearcat Pantry items from donations and complete tasks for additional services as requested. Assist students in filling out the intake forms, which are meant to help Bearcat Pantry understand the needs of students it serves, as well as connect you, the student, with additional resources as needed.


What to Expect

 

  • On your first visit, please fill out our voluntary intake form which is meant to help Bearcat Pantry understand the needs of students it serves, as well as connect you, the student, with additional resources as needed. On subsequent visits, we ask you to just sign your name and indicate if you are getting food, hygiene items, etc.

  • After completing the Intake form, you are welcome to visit Bearcat Pantry twice a week and each time, you are free to take three food items on each visit. 

  • If possible for future visits, please bring back reusable bags.

  • Our goal is for this process to be as easy, quick, and confidential as possible.


What To Expect During School Breaks

Bearcat Pantry will post it hours during scheduled school breaks.  If these hours do not work with your schedule, please contact us to make an appointment.  Additional appointments may be made during the weekend with Public Safety by calling 618-792-3500 or if you are located at McKendree West, please call 618-537-3688

 

Donations


Contact Bearcat Pantry to subscribe to our donation contact list. We will email you when there is a fundraiser and/or fooddrive occurring on or near campus for Bearcat Pantry.

You may also donate by contacting us at the above email to set up a drop time and location.

If you would like to create a food drive, please call or email us! We would love to work together with you on this endeavor.

Bearcat Pantry also accepts monetary donations.  Please make your check to McKendree University and on the memo line please put Bearcat Pantry.


Donation Guidelines


Bearcat Pantry appreciates any and all donations!

Here's an easy way to support Bearcat Pantry:

Please feel free to use our Amazon Link and have your donations shipped directly to us at McKendree University, Bearcat Pantry, 701 College Road, Lebanon, IL  62254:

 

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/CK8LUFYR53E7?ref_=wl_share

 


Volunteer Opportunities


For information on volunteer opportunities, contact Bearcat Pantry. Volunteer work for Bearcat Pantry may be eligible for community service hours, check with your professors and instructors.  Possibilities include:  Help operate Bearcat Pantry by donating a couple of hours of your time each week. You would help with the Pantry Inventory and assist new pantry users and also provide a welcoming experience and answer any questions, when possible, stock, organize, and help maintain a clean and friendly atmosphere.


Contact


For questions or concerns contact information:

 Coordinator of the Dr. Lyn Huxford Center for Community Service:

Rev. Bev at blwilkes-null@mckendree.edu

(618) 537-6962