Bryant University
IN-14: Food Bank

During the pandemic beginning in February, 2020, Bryant Dining Services partnered with the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion to fight food insecurity. Sodexo Dining provided 300 meals to students living on campus that could not afford the meal plan. In Academic Year 2021, this program was continued with 400 meals donated to this program. It is still active in 2022 and will continue to be active.

This is the message that was sent out for the Dining program:

To All Faculty and Staff:
Food insecurity is on the rise among college students. It has been estimated that nationally, 1 in 3 college students experience food insecurity. In college, food insecurity may be associated with no campus meal plan or an insufficient plan. The Council for Inclusive Excellence has partnered with Sodexo to address food insecurity for Bryant students. If you know of any students who can benefit from this program, please advise them to email Carolina Bogaert at cbogaert@bryant.edu. The program is free, confidential and has two components:
Meal Share – Meal swipes to Salmanson Dining Hall can be added to a student’s account.
Food Pantry – Access to nonperishable food items and/or financial support for groceries provided to a student.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this program being implemented?
The health and wellbeing of students is our top priority. Food insecurity has been on the rise nationally and locally. Food insecurity leads to poor academic performance and reduced graduation rates. To ensure all members of the Bryant community have access to healthy food provides students an equitable opportunity to succeed.
What can I do as a faculty or staff member?
Although students were sent a separate email to inform them about the program, awareness may still be low. Sharing information about the program is most helpful at this time.
What are the eligibility requirements to receive meals or groceries?
Any Bryant student who is experiencing food insecurity is eligible for the program.
How does a student receive meal swipes or grocery items?
Students in need will meet confidentially with a staff member to help determine the right level of support.
Who oversees the program?
The initiative is a collaboration of multiple divisions that make up the Council for Inclusive Excellence. For the spring of 2021 the program will be coordinated by the Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
What is the Council for Inclusive Excellence
The Council for Inclusive Excellence is a group of faculty, staff, and students from every division that focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts at Bryant.
Will meal swipes work at other campus venues besides Salmanson?
Yes, meals provided through the meal share program will work at any campus venue that allows you to use a swipe for service.
What if I know of a student that is in need but not willing to reach out for support?
Please contact Carolina Bogaert at cbogaert@bryant.edu to discuss ways to support the student.
Can faculty, staff, or alumni donate to the program?
At this time, only students with a meal plan can donate meal swipes. Sodexo has generously provided a large block of meals to start the program. We will review the program after the spring 2021 semester and communicate the best way to support as a faculty, staff, or alumni of Bryant.