AMHERST — Before coming to the University of Massachusetts, recent Student Government Association President Colin Humphries remembers his worries about being judged for getting free lunch and seeing another student bring a cheese sandwich to school.
Now in the Master of Public Policy and Administration program, Humphries observes that the new Campus Pantry, where all students and employees are eligible to drop in starting Saturday to select 10 days worth of food from its shelves, freezers and refrigerators, is the end result of a project he and other student leaders championed.
“We can still do great things in our community, and we can absolutely make a difference when we come together,” Humphries said, in advance of a ceremonial ribbon-cutting Friday morning at the 472 North Pleasant St. site.
The Campus Pantry: Amherst Survival Center at UMass, managed by Jake Krain, will be staffed and operated by the Amherst Survival Center, with UMass becoming one of more than 200 college campuses in the United States providing such access to food.
Coinciding with National Food Bank Day, the event began with Chancellor Javier Reyes wiping away tears as he reflected on the similar support he received when coming to the United States from Mexico.
Reyes said one in three students nationally are food insecure, and a university shouldn’t force students to decide between opportunity and food, which only hinders the success of those who are most vulnerable.
“This bright space and central location are intentional and aim to ensure that this critical resource is accessible and welcoming to all,” Reyes said.
The pantry’s opening comes following more than a year of strategic development between Reyes, UMass administrators and the Amherst Survival Center, and two earlier food security working groups assembled by the Dean of Students office.
UMass is committing $600,000 a year to the project through both giving to the annual fund and other fundraisers, carving out space from what had been the former Newman Center Cafe.
The pantry is already well stocked, with items coming from the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts and two food campus drives, one during Founders Day last spring and another over the summer, that netted 1,021 pounds of food that will provide 848 meals.
In addition, a $7,500 grant from Stop & Shop gives a strong foundation to sustain the commitment.
Those at the Amherst Survival Center cited the importance of helping students, especially those juggling studies, jobs and rent.
“Hunger should not be a part of the college experience, yet for far too many it is,” said Executive Director Lev BenEzra.
BenEzra estimates that in the first year, 250,000 to 400,000 meals worth of groceries will be provided to more than 2,000 people.
Jennifer Moyston, who chairs the center’s board, reflected on the dignity, respect and community that the Amherst Survival Center has brought, using founder Jane Holappa and longtime coordinator Evangeline Westcott’s philosophy. That same philosophy is coming to the UMass site.
“These are places where people are seen, supported and welcomed, without judgment,” Moyston said.
While mostly a miniature grocery store, there is also space for people to sit and chat.
The only limitations on food is based on a point system, with each product, including produce from the UMass Farm, meats, grains and milk, valued at specific point levels. There are both foods that can be prepared with and without full kitchen access as well as foods that meet the cultural and dietary needs of the diverse community.
The center will be open Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1 to 7 p.m, Fridays noon to 4 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will also remain open during school breaks.
Also on hand to U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern, state Sen. Jo Comerford and state Rep. Natalie Blais.
McGovern said as a member of Congress he is ashamed that there are 46 million hungry Americans and the Campus Pantry can serve as an example, even as the Trump administration and Congress are slashing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits and support for food banks.
“We don’t need to wait for a more sympathetic Congress, or a president who gets it,” McGovern said. “We need to continue this work right now.”
Comerford said she is inspired to focus on total costs of college and how food insecurity can interrupt education and thwart goals and dreams.
“This pantry embodies the best of who we are as a region,” Comerford said. “As Washington retreats, these partners are leaning in toward dignity, nourishment, justice and hope. I feel hopeful today.”
For the Amherst Survival Center, the Campus Pantry means creating capacity at its main Sunderland Road site, with an anticipation of continuing increasing demand in the larger community.
The Campus Pantry is also part of larger anti-hunger efforts at UMass, guided by the Dean of Students office Basic Needs Initiatives in partnership with UMass Dining, students and student groups, faculty and staff.