Bridging the Mind and Body: A Mini Pantry Collaboration Within a Library

Abstract

Academic libraries and campus food pantries are on the front lines of feeding college students experiencing food insecurity. Academic libraries are uniquely positioned to address these students. Food pantries located in academic libraries have many advantages over traditional food pantries, such as longer hours, greater accessibility, and staff with more customer service experience. This paper will focus on the budding partnership between the University of Maryland, Baltimore County’s Albin O. Kuhn Library and Retriever Essentials, the on-campus food access initiative. We will examine the campus demographics, specifically campus food insecurity statistics, and how that contributes to the overall need for the Library mini pantry space. In addition, we will also discuss ways to identify key partners, the ideal location, and the best pantry model to implement. The urgency of this initiative encourages us to include “tips to getting started” at your own campus. Usage statistics will also be briefed, and best practices, including the need to include culturally inclusive foods, will be reviewed as well as our next steps for the mini pantry.