![\"SIU](\"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/foodpantry-shannin.jpg\")
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By Jeff Wilson<\/p>\n
Since opening in August 2016, the Saluki Food Pantry has served more than 2,400 SIU students and their families. That kind of community service requires support and a lot of hard work.<\/p>\n
Recently, the food pantry assisted students after a fire at Evergreen Terrace by supplying food and toiletries to affected individuals.<\/p>\n
Much of the work at the food pantry is done by graduate assistant Shannon Denman, said Student Center Associate Director Kent Epplin.<\/p>\n
\u201cWithout Shannon, we would not be able to operate because there is no dedicated staff member for the location,\u201d Epplin said. \u201cAs a result of her ongoing efforts to schedule food drives, we have been successful at supplying our students with the necessary food items.\u201d<\/p>\n
During the first two SIU Days of Giving, the Saluki Food Pantry has received $1,800 in donations. Most of those funds are used to pay overhead costs and fund the graduate assistant position.<\/p>\n
\u201cInitially, the chancellor funded the pantry, but for the current fiscal year, we are operating off of the SIU Foundation funding,\u201d Epplin said. \u201cThe pantry runs on a very simple budget.\u201d<\/p>\n
The food pantry works with students both on and off campus, and networks with Saluki Cares and other campus organizations to ensure students are aware of the available resources.<\/p>\n
The Saluki Food Pantry is located on the Lower Level of the Student Center and is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Mondays and 1 to 4 p.m. on Thursdays. Any student with a valid student ID can access the pantry\u2019s resources. To learn more, visit www.studentcenter.siu.edu\/services\/saluki-food-pantry.php<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" By Jeff Wilson Since opening in August 2016, the Saluki Food Pantry has served more than 2,400 SIU students and their families. That kind of community service requires support and a lot of hard work. Recently, the food pantry assisted students after a fire at Evergreen Terrace by supplying food and toiletries to affected individuals. … Continue reading Saluki Food Pantry going above and beyond<\/span>