At Colorado Mesa University, every student has access to the resources they need, starting with the basics like food. Through The Pantry at CMU, students are provided free access to snacks, grab-and-go meals, take-home pantry staples and even daily necessities. With three locations on CMU’s main campus, and a location at CMU Tech and the Montrose Campus, students have what they need on hand in an easy, accessible and free way.
One of the largest locations on the main campus is in room 141 of Lowell Heiny Hall, located just down the hall from the IRIS information desk. Between the hours of 8 and 5 pm, Monday through Friday, students can choose to visit The Pantry in person or submit a food request form to pick up items at a later time. Additional locations include the Tomlinson Library and a new location in the Hamilton Rec Center Lobby. The two additional locations are at each end of the campus, making food and necessities close to any student.
The Pantry was created in 2022 with a mission in mind to alleviate food insecurity on campus. Since its inception, however, it is clear that students need food for many different reasons, whether they need a quick snack in between classes, are looking to save a couple of dollars here and there, or are in real need. Thanks to having this resource in place, now with expanded locations, students across campus have more free access to food, no matter the circumstances. Support from community partners like Kids Aid, which donates food to The Pantry every week, helps ensure shelves stay stocked and students have what they need.
A key fundraising initiative hosted annually that directly supports the stocking of The Pantry is the Gobble Wobble. Put on by the Hamilton Rec Center Staff, race attendees’ sign-up donation directly invests into purchasing more items to stock the shelves with a variety of food items and basic necessities. This year, the Gobble Wobble raised over $1,600 in donations and received over 70 stock items. Not only does the event raise awareness of the importance of helping out the Mavily, but it is also a fun and active event that brings people together over the importance of food.
Last year, CMU Dining and CMU student Ryan Huff were awarded a $1,250 donation through Sodexo’s Grateful Plateful Sweepstakes. The donation helped fill The Pantry during the holidays, a time when many students still live on campus when classes are not in session and on-campus dining operations are cut back.
As CMU continues to grow, so does its commitment to ensuring every Maverick feels supported, seen and cared for. The Pantry has become more than a resource. It’s a reflection of the university’s dedication to student well-being and community. Through collaborative efforts, generous donations and events like the Gobble Wobble, the shelves remain stocked and every student feels supported.