Rio Grande to Open Student Food Pantry

RIO GRANDE, Ohio – The University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community Colleges serves a diverse student body, with an equally diverse array of activities, organizations and departments designed to meet the varying needs.

The latest offering to assist Rio Grande students is Rio Snack, a food pantry located in the Rhodes Student Center that will open on Monday, Oct. 6. Rio Snack will join Rio Closet to create Rio Rack & Snack, where students can pick up needed clothing and food.

“The idea came from members of the Student Life & Enrollment Committee,” Dean of Students Aaron Quinn said. “There is a growing trend nationwide of students struggling to make ends meet. The Student Services Division recognizes there are times when our food services are not available, and Rio Rack & Snack will help to alleviate that concern.”

Rio Rack & Snack will host a grand opening for Rio Snack, sponsored by Enactus, from 2 to 4 p.m. on Oct. 6 with refreshments provided. Rio Rack & Snack will be open every Monday from 2 to 4 p.m.

The Enactus student organization is coordinating food drives to help stock Rio Snack throughout the year. Anyone looking to make a donation of non-perishable items, or monetary, can contact Enactus advisor Carol Smith at 740-245-7367 or [email protected].

Smith said the needs and reasons vary. For some, it’s a simple matter of missing a meal in the cafeteria due to schedule conflicts. For others, it’s a lack of transportation or monetary resources.

“The idea is to help supplement for any student who may have a need,” Smith said. “Depending on the need and demand, we could change the hours, but we’ll see.”