OU Food Pantry Celebrates 5 Years of Service
Five years ago, a group of OU students came together to solve a problem that was rarely talked about – food insecurity. That student-led effort resulted in the opening of the OU Food Pantry.
Today, one of the co-founders, Matthew Marks, continues to be the guiding force to fight hunger at OU as campus care coordinator/advisor of the OU Food Pantry.
“No one should go a day without food; however, millions of Americans battle food insecurity daily,” Marks said. “We are making an impact in our OU community by ensuring one less person goes hungry. In 2017, we served about 30 students per week. As of today, we have been able to provide for thousands of OU students, faculty and staff.”
The OU Food Pantry is a free resource that is managed by volunteers, with OU students holding leadership roles related to marketing and public relations, volunteerism, engagement and donations.
Ethan Maddy, director of the OU Food Pantry, oversees a team of 45 students who coordinate the operations, logistics and outreach at the pantry. These students help facilitate the efforts of more than 700 active volunteers in the Norman community. Food Pantry volunteers help with everything from assisting clients, stocking shelves, organizing orders, cleaning and various other tasks. OU faculty and staff are also welcome to participate in volunteer activities.
“It is our commitment at the University of Oklahoma to solve this problem,” Maddy said. “Impactful work is being done on our campus. In the last five years, we have provided more than 30,000 pounds of food to more than 14,000 clients.”
To serve the needs of OU community members, online orders can be submitted on the Food Pantry’s ENGAGE webpage. Volunteers fill the orders for pickup at the OU Food Pantry, located at 1113 Elm Ave. in Norman, on Tuesdays or Wednesdays between 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Individuals who are unable to pick up their order during the designated hours of operation can arrange alternate times. Shoppers must bring a valid OU ID.
Marks acknowledges that this could only be done thanks to the generosity of volunteers and donors. Supporters are invited to celebrate the 5th anniversary honoring the OU Food Pantry, at a ceremony to be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 23, at Walker-Adams Mall, located in the residence hall area of the Norman campus between Asp Ave. and Maple Ave. on 3rd St. Those who are interested in attending the anniversary celebration are asked to RSVP here.
“By advocating for polices, raising awareness and donating to a local food resource, like the OU Food Pantry, each of us can make a difference,” Marks said.
The OU Food Pantry accepts canned goods, toiletries, fresh produce, household items, new clothing, monetary tax-deductible donations and virtual deliverable contributions.
Learn more about the OU Food Pantry at ou.edu/foodpantry.
By Kesha Keith
Article Published: Wednesday, March 9, 2022