By: Imogen Francis/Contributing Writer
In recent months Biscayne Bay Campus’ food pantry has been hit with a shortage of donations. However, with the help of the Student Government Association and the Vice Provost Council they have had a slight reprieve.
At the latest Vice Provost Council meeting Jefferson Noel, president of the Student Government Council at BBC, was invited to attend. Noel mentioned the food pantry was understocked, which is when Annick De Bruyne, manager in the Office of the Vice Provost, asked members of the council to each bring three donation items.
The members of the council donated a combined total of 135 pounds of food to the pantry, with more donations on the way.
The Vice Provost Council is a board of 38 community leaders, including judges, doctors, mayors and business people who act as ambassadors on behalf of the university. Throughout the year the Council has four major meetings, De Bruyne told Student Media that she is trying to make a tradition to bring donations for the pantry to these meetings.
Recently there has been an influx in the number of students who have used the food pantry which has left it running low. Another contributing factor to the shortage was the three-week break between the summer and fall semesters, which is usually two weeks according to Ludovica Virgile, an office specialist at BBC’s Health Services.
“During that time I didn’t anticipate we would still have students coming in for services,” said Virgile.
To combat the shortage, Healthy Living has sent out an email flyer informing staff and students of the need for donations at the food pantry. Student Government Association has also taken a role in getting the word out.
“The Student Government is committed to help resolving the issue of food security on campus,” said Noel. “We are looking for sustainable methods for students who need food from the pantry.”
Food shortages are not an issue only BBC food pantry deals with, Modesto Maidique Campus also has experienced donation shortages throughout their time.
“Food shortages are a normal part of running a donation based service,” said Virgile.
Looking to the future Virgile is expecting to receive more donations closer to the holiday period.
The food pantry accepts donations from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays in WUC 301, the SGC-BBC office.
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