There is good news for college students who need to stock up on their Ramen noodles stash. The University of the Virgin Islands has relaunched its Essential Needs Pantry to support students facing food insecurity. This initiative will provide essential resources, including food and professional attire, to help students in need.
The pantry’s reopening was marked by discussions held on Wednesday and Thursday at UVI’s Orville E. Kean Campus on St. Thomas and the Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix. This effort is a collaboration between UVI, The Links, Incorporated, and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.
According to Anyha Lord, career services coordinator, the Essential Needs Pantry was initially introduced on a smaller scale during the spring semester.
To celebrate the launch on St. Croix, a panel of professionals from The Links, Incorporated offered advice and insight to students in attendance. Moderator Tammye Jones led the discussion with panelists, including Evelyn Davis, executive director of the Suburban Chamber of Commerce; Cheryl Tier, an attorney and mediator; and the Rev. Sandye Wilson, an Episcopal priest and former microeconomist who wrote for Time magazine. All panelists bring extensive professional backgrounds to the table.
The Essential Needs Pantry aims to decrease food insecurity among the student body and also features a professional dress closet, ensuring students have access to appropriate attire. Jeanette Ferdinand, director of the university’s Health Services, stated, “The pantry goes based on the honor system, so we allow the students to use their moral compass to determine if they need something in here. If you don’t really need it, you take it away from someone who does need it.”
Students in the program receive 15 points per week to select items from the pantry, similar to shopping in a store. Certain items, like toiletries, are expected to be requested less frequently as they typically last longer.
The pantry offers various items, including macaroni and cheese, oatmeal, cookies, chips, and, of course, Ramen noodles. Toiletries available include toilet paper, toothpaste, and sanitary napkins.
The clothing closet includes some items still with tags, along with business attire, gowns, shoes, and more from designer brands like COACH.
Lord mentioned that the team is currently securing a dedicated space for the clothing closet, allowing students to communicate with staff to arrange visits. Privacy considerations are a priority for all interested individuals.
Community members are encouraged to donate clothing to the program. For those interested in making donations, please contact Lord or Ferdinand at alord@uvi.edu or jeanette.ferdinand@uvi.edu.
