To help match the growing need of accessible food items for students at Eastern Michigan University, Swoop's Pantry is hosting its annual Stock Swoop's Shelves donation drive, encouraging student groups and organizations to gather food and other supplies to keep the pantry well stocked.
Swoop's Pantry, which just celebrated its 10-year anniversary since first opening in 2015, provides Eastern students with free food, clothing items, hygiene and more to ensure that no EMU student goes hungry or without necessities.
"We are a collection of students helping a bunch of students," said Emily Bryson, a graduate assistant at Swoop's Pantry who is pursuing a master's of social work at EMU. "If they are experiencing food insecurity, or just need some community or are looking to volunteer, this is where they can come for that."
Held annually, Stock Swoop's Shelves helps the pantry alleviate some of the costs required for keeping its services open. According to Colton Ray, another Swoop's Pantry graduate assistant, 46.5% of all EMU students face some kind of food insecurity. Open four days a week, the pantry is available to all students for free after filling out the intake form, which is available on the Swoop's Food Pantry website.
"We really try to bridge the gap, so to speak, but it's also a place where our team members ... find purpose in our community and helping our fellow students. We know how stressful life can get," Bryson said.
According to Bryson, the pantry relies on Stock Swoop's Shelves to acquire items they may not typically receive from donations or may not be able to regularly purchase. Moreover, the event helps get community members involved who may not have known about Swoop's services.
Prior to working as a GA with the pantry, Bryson had been a student shopper, before learning that the pantry employs EMU students who qualify for work study as staff members.
"I started working here, and it was the best part of my college experience, and I hope that we can provide that experience for many others," Bryson said. "My experience at Swoop's has been very regarding. You get to be a part of people's lives. You get to watch them succeed and watch them grow into their unique selves."
Stock Swoop's Shelves began March 16 and will run until April 3, 2026. Those who wish to donate are encouraged to form a group with their department, organization or among their peers. Once a group has been formed, participants can follow the sign-up form on Swoop's website and choose a specific theme for the items they plan to donate. Themes vary from snack items to hygiene, as well as specific bundles for specialized meals.
Anyone can donate to the fundraiser, according to Bryson. While following a specific theme is encouraged, it is not required to make a donation. The group is also accepting monetary donations through the EMU Foundation's website.
For an idea of what Swoop's is currently looking for, a list of the pantry's needs are available on its website. Donations are to be dropped off in-person in the John and Angie Sabo Swoop's Food Pantry, Room 100 in Pierce Hall.
