Northern's 48-hour campus food pantry fundraiser a success

Press release

Last week, the Montana State University-Northern Foundation launched a 48-hour Facebook fundraiser to support the campus food pantry and a Students in Need fund, raising $4,600 and more than doubling their goal.

"We were thrilled with the outcome given that the fundraiser was spontaneous and only via social media," Montana State University-Northern Foundation Executive Director Shantel Cronk said. "We are very thankful for the generosity of our donors, many of whom didn't realize we had a food pantry on campus."

Cronk returned to her desk Oct. 15 from a meeting with Chancellor Greg Kegel and had the idea for the 48-hour fundraiser. During that meeting, Kegel mentioned that the needs of Northern students go beyond books and computers.

"Many of our students need basic items such as coats, mittens, gloves and food" Kegel said.

At Northern in 2019, 38% of the students came from households earning less than $25,000 a year. Many wouldn't be able to attain a higher education without financial help in the form of scholarships or financial aid.

Last year, Northern's Student Senate launched a campus food bank called the Polar Pantry located in the Student Union Building. Northern student and ASMSUN President Riley Mortenson said encouraging food donation for students began in early 2020, but the official pantry didn't find a home on campus until fall of that same year. The idea was sparked by Mortenson, who heard of other campuses having food pantries and also from learning that many students stay on campus over the holidays or through the summer and don't have access to quality food. Now the pantry provides food and toiletries for anyone who needs them.

"We do everything we are able to support the needs of the students, not only through scholarships but also with health needs, mental health support, and tutoring," Kegel said. "I'm thankful for the generous donors who are helping support the basic needs of food and clothing for our students."

Mortenson said the greatest needs for the Polar Pantry are feminine and personal hygiene items such as shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, and laundry detergent. And most recently winter clothing items.

The Student In Need fund is a way to help supplement extra funds needed for those students who may need clothes, shoes, or urgent items they can't afford.

"Some of our students are single parents or from low income households and simple needs like gloves or hats aren't always in their budget," Cronk said

Some of the most popular food items are "Shelf stable, nutrient-dense items like tuna, salmon, canned fruits and vegetables, canned stews, peanut butter or other nut butters," Mortenson said. Also, brown rice, whole grain pastas, rolled oats, honey and shelf stable milk and milk substitutes are needed."

Saturday, the Norhtern's Student Senate is holding a food drive at the football field during the final home game. They are asking for donations of non-perishable food or toiletries be brought to a bucket that will be located near the ticket booth.

To find out how they can help Northern students, people can call the Northern Foundation at 406-265-3711 or go to its website at http://www.msunfoundation.org .