By Hannah Shirey ’23 Staff Writer
Students in need of food, toiletries and clothing can utilize resources that are available on campus.
The Dutchmen Pantry, located in the basement of the Frederic K. Miller Chapel, makes available non-perishable food items, microwaveable Metz meals and toiletry items. Its objective is to ensure that every student has access to a sufficient amount of daily food.
“Every week we have students utilizing the pantry,” Jen Liedtka, service and volunteerism coordinator, said. “But we want more students to be aware that this resource exists.”
The Dutchmen Pantry was created in January 2019 after student affairs staff recognized that students were having a hard time purchasing necessities. Shortly thereafter, the Dutchmen Pantry was introduced in order to address the issue.
The Pantry is funded entirely through donations. Different departments on campus, members of the Board of Trustees and outside organizations and institutions have all contributed to the Pantry by collecting and donating supplies.
“It has been overwhelming,” Liedtka said. “I’ll come into work some days and there is just stuff sitting outside my door.”
Metz has also partnered with the Dutchmen Pantry. They package left over food in microwavable containers that are available to all students using the resource. Metz has played a significant role in the Pantry’s success.
In addition to the Dutchmen Pantry, LVC also offers a Dutchmen Career Closet. The Career Closet provides professional attire to students preparing for interviews, internships and other professional events.
“Students are free to come down and pick out a whole outfit,” said Liedtka. “We even have shoes and some accessories, and we want students to take advantage of this resource as well.”
The Dutchmen Pantry and Dutchmen Career Closet are proctored by LVC staff members, rather than student volunteers. This allows students to have privacy when looking to utilize these resources.
All LVC students are welcome to use the Dutchmen Pantry and the Dutchmen Career Closet at any point during the day. The set hours are Mondays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 5 – 7 p.m., but students can access the pantry from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. by going to the Office of Service and Volunteerism or the Center for Student Engagement.