University of Nevada Las Vegas
IN-4: Innovation 4

The UNLV Cares Food Pantry provides supplemental assistance to the UNLV community in the form of donated and purchased foods for faculty, students, and staff. Initiated by the 2008 economic contraction, state higher education funding and resulting university restructuring, faculty, students and staff of the UNLV community formed the pantry in 2011 in order to offer a way for campus members to maintain their level of food security. This has been accomplished through generous volunteer energy, food, and monetary donations from various sources including on-campus collection, fundraising, and partnering with on and off-campus parties. The pantry is open year-round at various times throughout the month. We strive to provide a supplementary supply of quality food to those who need it in a discrete manner.

During the first semester of operation in fall 2011, a mixed methods study was performed as part of the pantry’s president of that time. A sample of 62 clients reported their rationale for pantry utilization. The study enlightened its readers to the wider impact of each clients use by including demographics, household size and frequency of use. As a result of these efforts, from the pantry's first opening in August 2011 through August 2014 the pantry has served over 1,900 clients who have in turn fed over 5,000. Our client make up for the first 2 years held steady at 2/3 staff and 1/3 students. But from fall 2013 to summer 2014 students have increased slightly to 38.3% with staff at 61.7%. Since the partnership with a local food bank, from January 2014 through August 2014, we have placed 34 orders and distributed 22,224 lbs of food. A qualitative study was performed in the spring of 2012 as part of this president’s qualitative research methods course. A sample of 1 client explored issues revolving around their life-course experiences with food security, leading up to and including use of the UNLV Cares Food Pantry. The results influenced in a general way, the characterization of food security and disparate access to the necessities of life for this president.