More than two tons of food was donated to the university’s Food Pantry last week, during the annual Chancellor’s Cup Challenge.
In all, PNW’s colleges and campus organizations contributed more than 5,500 items.
Those donations are timely. Scott Iverson, assistant vice chancellor for Housing and Student Life, said the demand for pantry services has increased due to factors like rising grocery costs and inflation in general.
“Students know they can get a variety of food at our pantry and don’t have to worry about how much it costs,” he said. “Many students balance work, classes and other responsibilities while trying to make ends meet, and the pantry helps ease that stress.”
A 2025 study found the problem is widespread. About two of five college students experience food insecurity nationwide.
The pantry’s operations have adapted to the increase in demand.
“At Hammond, the pantry is staffed by a rotating team of students and volunteers who ensure items are organized and available throughout the day,” said Iverson. “Westville’s grab and go model provides students with quick access between classes.”
He said the biggest challenge is keeping up with demand.
“We have a hard time keeping the most popular items like pasta, rice, peanut butter and cereal stocked on our shelves,” he said.
Events such as the Chancellor’s Cup play a key role in supporting the pantry. Each year, students and campus groups compete to donate food.
This year, three groups were recognized for their contributions. Chi Sigma Iota, an honor society for counseling students, was recognized as the student organization to receive the most points for items donated. The College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences was recognized for the faculty and staff organization to receive the most points for items donated. The College of Nursing was recognized for the faculty and staff category based on its overall performance.
Iverson said the Chancellor’s Cup is important to the pantry.
“I think it helps in the obvious way of having enough food to get us through the semester and keeps the pantry at the forefront of the campus community,” he said.
Iverson said the Chancellor’s Cup helps to stock shelves, but does not keep them full the entire year.
“It really only lasts this semester and maybe part of the fall semester,” hesaid.
The PNW Food Pantry is located in SULB 307 in Hammond and DSAC 1021 in Westville.
