Feeding Both Mind and Body

At Idaho State University (ISU), a quiet yet powerful initiative is making a significant difference in the lives of students.

Benny’s Pantry started as a vision in 2014 and has grown into a vital resource for those facing food insecurity within the ISU community. The College of Arts and Letters Dean’s Advisory Board (DAB) has recognized the importance of this mission and is committed to supporting Benny’s Pantry in its efforts to alleviate hunger among students.

Sharon Price, president of the DAB, recently joined Lesa Crawford, the dedicated manager of the pantry, on a shopping trip to gather supplies. Thanks to generous donations from DAB members, faculty members, and the community, they were able to stock up on essential non-perishable food and hygiene items, ensuring that the pantry will remain well-equipped in these areas for at least another month. 

“With the donation of additional funds and Costco gift cards, we are looking forward to staying stocked through the end of the semester,” Says Crawford. “It is very exciting!”

This hands-on support highlights the board’s support. College of Arts and Letters Dean Kandi Turley Ames has been working on raising awareness of the pantry after Lesa Crawford presented to the DAB board this fall.

Additionally, a new refrigerator made possible by donors, was received in the pantry a week ago and arrangements have been made for this to be stocked until the end of the year. The refrigerator is especially important because it allows the pantry to expand their offerings of fresh dairy and meat. Many students at ISU are non-traditional folks with children. 

New refrigerators at Benny’s Pantry will allow patrons to have access to fresh, healthy foods

With these donations Crawford says they are able to distribute approximately 2,000 extra pounds of food per month. This means that patrons are getting healthy options and more staples that help them get through the month without worry. We now have cows milk AND alternative milks each week in addition to eggs, butter, cheeses and additional meats and fresh produce.

DAB member, Galo Medina, who is passionate about supporting the pantry, says that this means single parents who are struggling through school while raising children can now give their kids milk in the morning. 

“At the end of the day, if kids can’t eat, what’s the point of anything we do at ISU?” Medina says. “There was an old Roman poet, Juvenal, who came up with the phrase ‘mens sana in corpore sano,’ which means, ‘a healthy mind in a healthy body.’ That’s what so many people are trying to help the pantry accomplish.”

“Benny’s Pantry is more than just a food resource; it’s a lifeline for many students who, without this support, might find themselves relying on inexpensive, less nutritious options like ramen noodles,” says board member Rayna Valentine. “The pantry exists to ensure that every member of the ISU community—students, staff, and faculty—has access to healthy food options.”

The mission of Benny’s Pantry is clear: to remove the barrier of food insecurity that often hinders students from achieving their educational goals. By providing access to safe and nutritious food, Benny’s Pantry empowers students to focus on their studies and personal growth. 

Since its inception, Benny’s Pantry has expanded its reach, opening additional locations on the Idaho Falls and Meridian campuses in 2016 and 2019, respectively. It stands as Idaho's first college or university food pantry, a pioneering effort that has inspired similar initiatives across the state. Each pantry is staffed by dedicated Student Affairs members and student employees who are passionate about making a difference. This pantry not only feeds the body but also fosters a culture of service and leadership within the community.

The success of Benny’s Pantry hinges on the generosity of the community. Donations of food, funds, and volunteer time are crucial to keeping the pantry stocked and operational. The pantry welcomes ideas for hosting food drives or contributing in any way that might benefit its mission. They encourage potential donors to reach out to discuss how to maximize the timing and impact of their contributions.

Additionally, students can participate in the Bengal Meal Share Program, allowing those with extra meals at the end of the semester to donate up to ten meals to fellow students in need. 

“I can’t think of a better way to support students than to make sure their basic needs are met,” says Dean Kandi Turley Ames.

For more information, please visit the Benny’s Pantry website at isu.edu/pantry/, email pantry@isu.edu, or call (208) 282-4110. We remind the public at this harvest time, that donations of produce are warmly welcome!