Today, I set up shop with Jillian Pyatte of the Big Blue Pantry, which operates as one of the many programs of the University of Kentucky's Center for Community Outreach.
This is a new program on campus from the 2014 school year that benefits UK students that are food insecure.
It is easy to assume that, just because someone is receiving a college education, that he or she is able to afford the food and staples in their lives necessary for survival. This is not always the case.
These students may be on scholarship, just barely be able to afford tuition, possibly be sending money home to their families in need, or a number of other reasons that make everyday items hard to come by. More information can be found below on the pantry and the Center for Community Outreach's other programs.
For those that are not familiar, the Kroger store on Euclid Road is a beautifully remodeled "mega" grocery store that is the closest grocery to the University of Kentucky campus. Many students frequent this store for their shopping during the school year, as well as a number of others in the local community. It was the perfect store to set up shop, and the management was wonderful in helping us get approval and set up!
Jillian and I were set up out in the lobby by the escalator (yep, a grocery with an escalator! Lexington's a pretty big deal!) so that we could catch customers before and after they finished their shopping trips.
This is a new program on campus from the 2014 school year that benefits UK students that are food insecure.
It is easy to assume that, just because someone is receiving a college education, that he or she is able to afford the food and staples in their lives necessary for survival. This is not always the case.
These students may be on scholarship, just barely be able to afford tuition, possibly be sending money home to their families in need, or a number of other reasons that make everyday items hard to come by. More information can be found below on the pantry and the Center for Community Outreach's other programs.
For those that are not familiar, the Kroger store on Euclid Road is a beautifully remodeled "mega" grocery store that is the closest grocery to the University of Kentucky campus. Many students frequent this store for their shopping during the school year, as well as a number of others in the local community. It was the perfect store to set up shop, and the management was wonderful in helping us get approval and set up!
Jillian and I were set up out in the lobby by the escalator (yep, a grocery with an escalator! Lexington's a pretty big deal!) so that we could catch customers before and after they finished their shopping trips.
We handed out fliers to customers as they passed by looking curiously at our table. Most people don't know about the pantry and this is the first food drive that has been held, so we were happy to spread the word!
Below, Jillian is excited for the tuna donation. Packaged tuna and meats are higher on the priority list and, since they are a bit more costly, are not donated as often.
Below, Jillian is excited for the tuna donation. Packaged tuna and meats are higher on the priority list and, since they are a bit more costly, are not donated as often.
Not bad for only 90 minutes into the drive!
Thank you to all of the customers who came by and asked for more information and for those that donated on the way out. The students in need at the Big Blue Pantry certainly do appreciate your generosity!
How Can I Help?
Donate
The pantry accepts most non-perishable food items as well as toiletry items. They also always accept monetary donations as well.
Items that can be used (this is not an exhaustive list--most anything goes!):
peanut butter, canned tuna/chicken, soups, canned meats (such as tuna/chicken), cereal, canned veggies & fruits, apple sauce, pasta & sauce, ramen, complete boxed meals or toiletry & household items.
Checks can also be made payable to the UK Center for Community Outreach, with Big Blue Pantry in the memo line.
You may drop donations off at the Pantry during open hours, Monday through Thursday 9am-9pm at the Center for Student Involvement (106 Student Center) or contact us to make other arrangements. Summer hours will be limited.
Volunteer
These opportunities are limited due to the size of the pantry at this time. Check out VolunteerMatch for opportunities for Big Blue (and a TON of other opportunities in the community--great site!)
The pantry accepts most non-perishable food items as well as toiletry items. They also always accept monetary donations as well.
Items that can be used (this is not an exhaustive list--most anything goes!):
peanut butter, canned tuna/chicken, soups, canned meats (such as tuna/chicken), cereal, canned veggies & fruits, apple sauce, pasta & sauce, ramen, complete boxed meals or toiletry & household items.
Checks can also be made payable to the UK Center for Community Outreach, with Big Blue Pantry in the memo line.
You may drop donations off at the Pantry during open hours, Monday through Thursday 9am-9pm at the Center for Student Involvement (106 Student Center) or contact us to make other arrangements. Summer hours will be limited.
Volunteer
These opportunities are limited due to the size of the pantry at this time. Check out VolunteerMatch for opportunities for Big Blue (and a TON of other opportunities in the community--great site!)
Tell Me More About the Center for Community Outreach and the Big Blue Pantry...
The Center for Community Outreach is also a part of many other programs and affiliations on UK's campus and I only wish I could spotlight them all! Click below to link to the programs page to read more about the following:
DanceBlue
PAWS
PLAY
Service Corps
STAG
Young at Heart
Project Health
Helping Hands
The Big Blue Pantry
New to the 2014 school year, the Big Blue Pantry began serving University of Kentucky students who experience food insecurity or hunger. We cannot assume that because an individual attends college that they have the same financial means as their peers.
Any UK student, with a valid UK ID is eligible to receive non-perishable goods from the Big Blue Pantry by coming to White Hall 23-25 during our open hours.
Location on Campus:
The Big Blue Pantry is open in a new space, in the basement of White Hall (Classroom Building), rooms 23-25, next to the Post Office. You may access it by stairs or elevator in White Hall, and also through the connecting tunnel from Patterson Office Tower.
Are you a UK student needing assistance? Here are the open hours. If these times don't work, email Jillian for an appointment!
Monday 11am-2pm
Tuesday 4pm-7pm
Thursday 4pm-7pm
Friday 2pm-5pm
Email:
Jillian Pyatte
[email protected]
DanceBlue
PAWS
PLAY
Service Corps
STAG
Young at Heart
Project Health
Helping Hands
The Big Blue Pantry
New to the 2014 school year, the Big Blue Pantry began serving University of Kentucky students who experience food insecurity or hunger. We cannot assume that because an individual attends college that they have the same financial means as their peers.
Any UK student, with a valid UK ID is eligible to receive non-perishable goods from the Big Blue Pantry by coming to White Hall 23-25 during our open hours.
Location on Campus:
The Big Blue Pantry is open in a new space, in the basement of White Hall (Classroom Building), rooms 23-25, next to the Post Office. You may access it by stairs or elevator in White Hall, and also through the connecting tunnel from Patterson Office Tower.
Are you a UK student needing assistance? Here are the open hours. If these times don't work, email Jillian for an appointment!
Monday 11am-2pm
Tuesday 4pm-7pm
Thursday 4pm-7pm
Friday 2pm-5pm
Email:
Jillian Pyatte
[email protected]