On April 2 Helping Hand food plus pantry opened at UW-Stout for all students. It is in room 130 of the University Services building, 817 S. Broadway St. Helping Hand provides access to food and other life essentials for students facing any level of food insecurity. With more than one-third of university students nationally food insecure, Sarah Snyder knew she had to do something to help.
Eighteen months ago, the University of Wisconsin-Stout residence life coordinator started offering some nonperishable food items at her office for hungry students, but she knew there was only so much she could do. Seeing the need, she reached out to counseling, student health, dining, housing and other campus services and was able to do something more.
“Food access should not be a barrier for someone to get an education,” Snyder said. “We strive to provide healthy and filling options along with quick and easy meals and snacks.”