Bruin Community Pantry

Partnering with Nutrition Matters

The Nutrition Matters grant, funded by Bob’s Red Mill, has allowed George Fox to research topics as well as educate and involve students in healthy eating and nutrition. The grant has funded the Bod Pod that is used by both undergraduate and graduate students. The curriculum has been developed for the Lifelong Fitness course integrating healthy habits alongside fitness.

Simultaneously, the university’s campus food service, Bon Appétit, made great additions to its meal offerings, including:

• An enhanced whole grain station
• A “flavor station” to encourage students to substitute flavored vinegars and herbs for salt intake
• Nutritional information postings for common food items
• Increasing gluten-free meals
• Providing allergy training for cooks
• Presenting lifelong fitness sessions on nutrition

This grant also provided cooking equipment to the residential living areas to allow students to cook healthy meals in on-campus kitchens that have been graciously managed by Elizabeth Anderson the past two years.

Cooking Demonstrations

Another ongoing program is cooking demonstrations led by George Fox alum Emily Forbes. Emily is a nutritionist and chef, and founder of  loveandplants.com. Emily is passionate about educating people on how to make food that is both delicious and nutritious, focusing on whole food and plant-based ingredients. Students can watch a meal being prepared, get the recipe and knowledge and, of course, sample the food.   

An initiative currently in process is to install a demonstration kitchen in the Roberts Center on campus for students and faculty to learn to prepare healthy meals. Lori Sobelson, director of corporate outreach at Bob's Red Mill and a George Fox alumna, is leading a team to design the kitchen space. It will allow students to participate fully in food preparation, giving them a vital life skill to utilize throughout their time at Fox and beyond.

Another dynamic part of the learning process is enjoying the food together. This is an opportunity for students to Be Known and share life with each other over a healthy meal.   

Q&A

What is food insecurity?

It is the limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods, or the ability to acquire such foods in a socially acceptable manner. The most extreme form is often accompanied by physiological sensations of hunger.

Why start a pantry program on the George Fox campus?

A recent study of the George Fox student body revealed the following:

• 19 percent of respondents indicated they were experiencing a temporary hardship that affected their ability to have enough to eat.
• 13 percent of those surveyed indicated that they did not have access to an adequate amount of food due to a lack of resources.
• 64 percent indicated that they had a friend who did not have access to an adequate amount of food.

Why would a student be food insecure at George Fox? Doesn't financial aid cover the cost of their food?

Complicating factors affect many students’ financial situation, whether they are on financial aid or not. Students may experience food insecurity due to a variety of financial circumstances and situations. Some students may be responsible for sending money home to care for family members.

Students may also have complicated family dynamics, which lead to the family withholding financial support. Additional factors could include major unexpected expenses, such as medical, transportation issues or housing problems.

How does someone access the Bruin Community Pantry?

The BCP has weekly hours that are communicated through the Daily Bruin. Community members wishing to receive direct emails from the program coordinator can sign up on the dedicated Google form.

Fall semester hours: Monday and Wednesday, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Who can donate to the Bruin Community Pantry? What types of donations are accepted?

Throughout the year we will promote food drives to fill our shelves. We will take donations of non-perishable food items and essential toiletries throughout the year. Periodically, we will have messages in the Daily Bruin.

Donations can be dropped off at the student life office on the third floor of the Stevens Center during regular business hours. 

Those wishing to contribute to BCP by donating money can go here , or contact Jere Witherspoon ( jwithers@georgefox.edu or 503-554-2316) for more information. 

Is there a wish list of pantry items?

Yes. We will accept the following types of contributions:

More Information

Jere Witherspoon, Office of Student Life: 503-554-2316 or jwitherspoon@georgefox.edu

Kristi Welker, Director of Commuter Life: 503-554-2308 or kwelker@georgefox.edu