Sustain Mizzou’s general meeting discussed issues of food insecurity and food waste to help students get involved in increasing sustainability at MU.
Sustain Mizzou hosted a general meeting discussing food systems and food insecurity featuring guest speakers from The Food Bank and Tiger Pantry on Feb. 1 in the Arts and Science Building.
Sustain Mizzou is a student-run sustainability program on campus. Members can partake in beekeeping, gardening, composting, stream cleans, volunteer opportunities and bi-weekly general meetings to learn about sustainability. The organization is run by two student directors, Bella Kamplain and Ella Reichard.
“We’re kind of everywhere all at once trying to expand sustainability on campus the best that we can,” Kamplain said.
The mission of Sustain Mizzou focuses on local action, cooperation and education. According to Kamplain, Sustain Mizzou aims to provide an environment for students to talk about sustainability issues in a comfortable setting.
According to Reichard, 34 million people in the U.S. and 1.3 billion people in the world are food insecure.
Kamplain said it’s important for students to learn about food systems, which involve the production, processing, transport and consumption of food.
“This is something that’s everywhere,” Kamplain said. “It’s really important to understand it and know how you can get help if you need it or ways that you can be better by composting and reducing your waste.”
During the meeting, Kamplain and Reichard talked about the environmental impacts of the current food system, ranging from food waste to climate change. They encouraged students to take individual eco-friendly actions such as only buying food that is needed, properly storing produce and composting food scraps.
Guest speakers from The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri included Katie Adkins, the director of marketing and communications, and Grace Kroll, the director of programs. The speakers gave an overview of The Food Bank, which owns and operates Central Pantry, located in Columbia. Central Pantry serves around 10,000 people a month across Boone County.
“I want students to know that The Food Bank is a resource for them,” Adkins said. “It’s really important to know that you’re part of our community and that if you’re ever in need of food, we’re there for you.”
To get involved with The Food Bank, students can volunteer by helping with repackaging, reviewing produce and creating variety boxes to give out. Students can also participate in AmeriCorps VISTA, a full-time, year-long volunteer program, and internships with The Food Bank.
“We are always looking for more hands to help take giant amounts of food and make them a little bit more accessible for our neighbors on an individual level,” Kroll said.
Thomas Holmes, an MU junior and the outreach coordinator for the Tiger Pantry, also spoke at the meeting. Tiger Pantry is a student-run organization that serves MU students, faculty and staff.
The Tiger Pantry is located in the parking structure at 299 Hitt Street in downtown Columbia. The pantry is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sundays. Students can come to the pantry to collect non-perishable goods, produce, toiletries and hygiene products. Emergency food packs are also available in 22 locations across campus.
According to Holmes, food insecurity can create feelings of anxiety, deprivation and lack of choice. Holmes described food insecurity as both a physical and emotional state. He also explained that the Tiger Pantry is a cost-saving measure for students to help reduce a load on personal income.
“Unfortunately, having to go to a food pantry is stigmatized [and] being food insecure is stigmatized,” Holmes said. “My main purpose is to try and make it more socially acceptable.”
Students with extra campus dining credits at the end of the school year can donate them to the Tiger Pantry. Extra credits will be redistributed to those in need. Students can also get involved with the Tiger Pantry by volunteering.
“Being a student is a journey, and there are going to be so many challenges that you may face,” Adkins said. “If food insecurity is one of them—if you’re ever worried about getting enough to eat, getting the kinds of food that you need—we want to help out … You’re not alone. You have people that are here and willing to help you.”
Edited by Mercy Austin | maustin@themaneater.comCopy edited by Sterling Sewell