A visit to UIC’s new Pop-Up Pantry

Arthi Krishna (left) and Serena Salem volunteer at the Pop-Up Pantry.

When you think of a hungry college student, you probably think of someone living off ramen. Some may consider that a way of really experiencing college, but it’s not precisely how it is. Many college students are experiencing hunger. Times are tough, the amount of loans is rising, and money for food is scarce. Luckily, our campus is taking a stand in fighting hunger among college students with the grand opening of the Pop-Up Pantry.

I went to visit the pantry and was instantly greeted by a pair of students. Upon showing my i-card, I was given a form to fill out. The sheet simply asked if I was feeding myself or a family. It also asked about what foods I was hoping to walk away with and, of course, any food allergies I may have. Once I provided that information, I was given a number and went behind the scenes of what happens.

A group of volunteers start packing all the items I listed into a UIC tote bag. The Wellness Center staff was there to  provide resources on other food pantries in the city and cheap groceries stores, as well.  This pantry truly shows that it wants to help students at the pantry,  even after they leave with their bag full of food.

Donations came from all over campus; departments, student organizations and student themselves. At a time of year where we should be grateful for all that we have, remember to give back. Each one of us is fighting our own battle —  let’s make sure hunger isn’t one of them.

Kris Fuentes Cortes is a senior in communication, a Boston native, an active student around campus, and a dreamer of working in the world of music. She wants to become a tour manager for a band and travel internationally while she’s still young. She’s the assistant marketing director for UIC Radio.