Augusta University’s Open Paws Pantry seeks donations for students

The Augusta University community can support students this season by donating non-perishable food and toiletry items to the Open Paws Pantry.

“We opened the food pantry in March 2016. Since then, it has had a tremendous impact on the student body,” said Gina Thurman, assistant dean of students. “We are seeing an increase each semester in the number of students who utilize the pantry. They are careful to only take what they know they will eat so that there is food for others.”

The donated items are stored and students are encouraged to come collect what they need. The pantry is open to all currently enrolled AU students.

“Please consider supporting the Open Paws Pantry this holiday season as we work to end hunger and malnutrition among our Augusta University student population,” Thurman said.

Most requested food items:

Breakfast bars
Pop-Tarts
Granola bars
Oatmeal
Beans (canned and dried)
Chili and soups
Rice and pasta
Pasta sauce
Microwaveable meals
Cereal (individual servings)
Canned meats (tuna, chicken, salmon, etc.)
Canned fruit and applesauce
Box meals (non-frozen)
Peanut butter and jelly
Chips (individual bags)
Crackers (peanut butter, Goldfish, Teddy Grahams, etc.)
Rice Krispies Treats
Teas and coffee

Most requested toiletry items:

Soap
Shampoo
Deodorant
Toothpaste and toothbrushes
Feminine hygiene products
Shaving cream
Disposable razors
Toilet paper
Paper towels
Laundry and dish detergent

School supplies are also in great demand.

“This semester, we have about 25 students who use the pantry on a regular basis. We also have a foundation account where people can donate money,” Thurman said. “We use the funds to help stock the pantry when we are low in food and to buy any supplies needed. We try to have can openers and other things that students might need.”

Thurman also mentioned that in the past month, over 400 pounds of food has been donated by the Augusta University community.

Donations are accepted in Bellevue Hall on the Summerville Campus and the second floor of the Student Center on the Health Sciences Campus. There are also donation bins in select locations across campus.

Locations are open during normal business hours Monday through Friday.

Contact Thurman for more information or call (706) 737-1411.

Learn more about the Division of Enrollment and Student Affairs.