The Redhawk Food Pantry/Career Closet, housed in room 123 of Kent Library, inside textbook rentals opened March 20, and is stocked and ready to help students, faculty and staff members.

In a recent follow-up with Dr. Bruce Skinner, Assistant Vice President, Student Success and Auxiliary Services said, the pantry hit its target nearly right on. The items donated nearly covered everything shy of $100.

“The food drive went very well. About 95 percent of what you see in those photos of the pantry were a direct result of the food drive. The food drive did provide nearly all we need, and the items we purchased totaled little more than $100, that’s all we spent on extras, this was just to supply additional cereal, jelly, and a couple other items,” Skinner said.

Skinner said the goal now is to promote themselves. He said they have begun to grow a social media audience and have small cards with the info on how to contact the pantry on them currently being developed which they plan to offer to administrative offices such as Counseling and Disability Services, but any department may have them.

Skinner said if anyone knew of someone in need of this service to please let them know about the pantry.

“We are being intentional in the way we roll out the pantry, we wanted to make sure we had a solid service we were offering before we went out and advertised this service in a substantial way,” Skinner said.

In addition to helping out with food, and hygiene products, there’s also a career closet for students in need of professional interviewing attire, shoes and accessories.

“The one area that we are looking at in the future securing school supplies. We hope to offer this service in the future,” Skinner said.

The pantry is also a place where students can volunteer with their peers.. semo.edu

The pantry’s webpage states that the “Redhawks Pantry is supported by donations from the campus community, registered student organizations, Southeast Missouri State University academic departments and offices, and local community members.”www.semo.edu/pantry/

On the pantry’s webpage, inquiries for services can be made discreetly and privately. A FAQ option for frequently asked questions is available.

Accessing the pantry is completely confidential.