McCarty Hall has a friendly neighbor: UF’s new Field and Fork Campus Food Program.
Although it has been operating since Summer B, the official ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house will be held at the food pantry Sept. 1 at 10 a.m.
The pantry is meant to combat food insecurities with healthy and wholesome food options, said Nardin Derias, a student senator for the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.
Derias said there are a lot of students who don’t have access to food, a basic necessity.
Students and faculty are encouraged to take any food and toiletries they need from the pantry. All that’s asked of them is that they bring their Gator 1 Card.
"We’ve been raising awareness specifically through social media about the programs and other resources," Derias said.
UF biology senior Michelle Nguyen said sometimes shame is associated with financial need. She said students should use resources if they need to.
"You might not necessarily be a homeless student, but there may be a stage in your life that you’re without food," the 22-year-old said.
According to the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, 10 percent of students have so little food that it distracts from their studies
"We’re all part of The Gator Nation," Derias said. "We come together in catastrophe. This isn’t any different. To see all of the departments come together for the Gator good is amazing to me."
A sign in the window shows the hours of the Field and Fork Food Pantry on Sunday.
