Investing in Well-Being: How Basic Needs Services Help Student Outcomes

On November 18, 2022, Saint Paul College opened the Jason Twombly Campus Food Pantry, a vital resource ensuring that no student or community member goes hungry. By providing access to food and essential resources, The Food Pantry and Basic Needs Department directly address barriers to academic success and well-being. Grounded in equity and trauma-informed care, these services foster a welcoming environment that empowers individuals to thrive.

We work to remain a nonjudgmental space, empowering shoppers to shop for whatever foods they want.

Julien Halabi

Student Affairs, Student Life and Diversity

Impact Through Numbers

During the 2025-2026 academic year, the Campus Food Pantry was accessed over 8,500 times by students, staff, and community members—a testament to its critical role on campus. There were 851 unique users representing a 60% increase from the prior year, further underscoring the growing and urgent need for these essential resources. The 2025-2026 academic year amounted to 120,000 pounds of food and other items distributed.

80%

of Campus Food Pantry
visits are revisits.

84%

of Campus Food Pantry
visitors are students.

47%

of Campus Food Pantry
shoppers visit once a week

How to Utilize the Resources on Campus

Culinary Arts students serving food they cooked to fellow students

Metal shelf in the Campus Food Pantry with nonperishable grocery items for shoppers to choose from.

As demand for support has surged, the Food Pantry has continually expanded its reach and services. Through partnerships with Second Harvest Heartland Kitchen Coalition and SPC’s Culinary Arts Program, weekly meal preparation has more than doubled when they are in session. We can now provide between 100 and 400 prepared meals each week. These meals, along with snacks available at the Student Life and Diversity Office, the Basic Needs Office, Veterans Center, and the Tutoring Center and Science Study Center, ensure that students have consistent, reliable access to nourishment across campus, regardless of their circumstances.

Through the academic year, including winter break and the summer semester, the Campus Food Pantry is open five days a week in room L567, typically from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (hours will change each semester; check before visiting). Our resources vary from week to week because they are provided through local donations. We also work to maintain a nonjudgmental space, empowering visitors to shop for whatever foods they want. As part of creating that safe space, the Campus Food Pantry is staffed primarily by student workers.

I’m very thankful and happy that the school provides this for us students and our families!

Comment

Food Pantry Intake Form

The Future of these Resources

To sustain and expand access to these essential needs, we are focused on securing higher-quality, sustainable access to resources across campus for students, faculty, staff, and the local community. Our goals include broadening access, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring every student is aware of and can benefit from these life-changing services.

Develop Partnerships, Fundraising, and Student Safety Net

Saint Paul College is committed to strengthening and expanding partnerships with local organizations, nonprofits, government agencies, and philanthropic partners to ensure students have a reliable safety net both on and off campus. Continued fundraising and grant applications are urgent priorities needed to maintain and expand the reach of the Food Pantry and related services. A sustainable system of support will only be possible through ongoing investment and advocacy.

Expand Basic Needs Access and Information Throughout Campus

Our goal is to increase awareness on all fronts to reduce barriers. Efforts will include working with faculty and staff to educate students from day one on the resources available to them. We will increase access and visibility with additional visuals across campus and a resource hub on D2L that connects with students where they are.

Relocate or Expand the Campus Food Pantry

The lower level and floors three and four are the access points for all basic needs resources. We want to move to a larger, more student-friendly location. The new location will boost awareness, more easily connect students with available support, and enable us to provide a wider range of resources.

The future of the Campus Food Pantry and Basic Needs Services depends on our collective commitment to access and support. As more students and families rely on these resources every year, it is crucial to sustain and improve availability to ensure student success and well-being. With ongoing support, Saint Paul College can continue to lift barriers and help every student thrive throughout their studies and into their careers.