A housing official has started a new food pantry for Methodist Hall residents.
Kevin Culbertson, assistant director of housing operations, said he started the pantry because he saw a need for it on campus.
“With dining services closed and grocery stores struggling to keep up stock, I foresee that the students who are still on campus may struggle to get their basic needs,” Culbertson said. “My focus is on providing essential needs such as food, water, cleaning products and toilet paper.”
The pantry is located in the housing office near the front desk, and it has been open since March 19.
Culbertson said the pantry is come and go, and it is always accessible to students.
“I try my best to keep it as stocked as I can,” Culbertson said. “I make a couple of Sam’s Club trips a week to keep up. However, I will note that it is becoming more difficult to get items in bulk from Sam’s.”
While the pantry was intended to serve Methodist residents, Culbertson said he would not turn away a student in need, regardless of where they live.
Culbertson said students can contribute to the pantry.
“I will never discourage students trying to help one another,” Culbertson said. “I have already seen some items being left for others to use and have organized it. My one request is that items being donated should be for individual consumption such as canned goods, bottled beverages and snack sized wrapped foods.”
Culbertson said he believes there are other similar pantries located in Walker Hall and the Cokesbury clubhouse.
Karlee Vriezema, dance sophomore, lived in Methodist Hall. She said the pantry could be helpful in certain situations.
“There are a lot of students who don’t have cars on campus, so in that regard, it might be nice,” Vriezema said.
Anyone with additional questions or concerns about the pantry can contact Culbertson at klculbertson@okcu.edu.
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