Dr. Cedric Gathings, vice president of student affairs at Marshall, said the move off campus will provide students resources in addition to food, including clothing, and will allow more anonymity than what has been offered on campus since the Marshall Food Pantry opened in the Memorial Student Center in 2012. Eight students used the pantry’s services last year, and Gathings said he believes that with additional anonymity, more students in need might use the services.
“We believe that the central, on-campus location of the food pantry was a deterrent to those seeking help,” said Gathings. “This move makes it possible for our students to get what they need without the perception that they’ll be identified.”
Gathings also stated that students can be transported to and from the church on 520 11th Ave. by using Marshall’s bus route to downtown.
“These are exciting times in which we have the opportunity to take a look at the services Student Affairs provides,” said Gathings. “We are making assessments and determining ways to expand resources while involving the community.”
Lisa Martin, director of student conduct at Marshall, said the students who have utilized the pantry in the past year will be contacted regarding the move.
Gathings said Marshall students are planning multiple on-campus food drives this semester to give to the new location. The Cridlin Food and Clothing Pantry is a collaboration among the downtown churches coordinated by Christian Associates.