We all know how hard it is when you go through the cafeteria and your card does not scan anymore that week, you don’t have food in your dorm and you do not have money.

Southeastern Oklahoma State University has turned a locker room into a food pantry located at the Wellness Center on the first floor of the Glen D. Johnson Student Union.

The food pantry is open to any student with a valid student I.D.

James Reed, director of Student Conduct, stated they chose the locker room for people who may feel embarrassed or scared to be seen.

Yoselin Rodriguez-Diaz, a sophomore majoring in Biology and Chemistry, stated, “Break stereotypes. If you really need it, go ahead and use it because it is a resource for everyone.”

One week you might have the things you need and the next week you might not. You may have the money to go to the store or a drive-thru, but you don’t want to spend the money. Maybe you just don’t have anything.

Rodriguez-Diaz commented, “We want people to know it is okay and they are not going to be judged for coming and using the food pantry because everyone understands.”

The food pantry does take donations of canned foods, microwavable foods and pantry items. Organizations have donated, such as Sig Tau Gamma and Tau Kappa Epsilon, the fraternities on campus. To donate, just drop the food off at the Wellness Center from 7 A.M. to 9 P.M.

Karley Freeman

February 9, 2020