WSU celebrated the expansion of the Cougar Food Pantry on April 10 with a discussion on food security and a tasting event in the CUB.
“Food security is not just a pantry issue—it is a community priority at WSU,” said Associate Dean of Students Heather Case. “WSU is proud to welcome and introduce some of our newest partners—people and organizations who are stepping in to help us grow even further. Their support will help launch new initiatives, increase access and build sustainability in everything we do.”
Speakers included Merri Lecoq, Cougar Food Pantry coordinator; Jade Monroe, food center lead; WSU Pullman Chancellor Dave Cillay; Androu Luzader, WSU student and food pantry assistant; Sara Osbourne, Safeway public and government affairs director; Emily Neighbors, Seattle Seahawks community engagement mentor, and Seahawks football safety Jerrick Reed.
The event coincided with the Chancellor’s Challenge to Feed Cougs Well, a campaign that ran from April 3–16. The partnership between the chancellor and the food pantry invited students, faculty, staff and the community to raise money for the pantry through friendly competition.
“You have no idea the number of students that come to the pantry in need,” Cillay said. “It is towards the end of the semester when students are running short on cash when the resources of the pantry are waning.”
Cillay also announced 1976 WSU alumnus Gene Estabrook will match up to $15,000 on Cougs Give Day, April 16, in support of the chancellor’s challenge.
Safeway employees and the Seahawks helped stock the pantry with food, donated new refrigerators and freezers and hosted a food drive for the chancellor’s challenge as part of their Impacting 50 Communities Campaign.
“You barely hear about college hunger, and it is so prevalent and it is so important,” Osbourne said. “There is no college food bank like the Cougar Food Pantry. That should be a program in every university and every college… to have that ready-made fresh produce, deli stuff, everything a college student wants to eat.”
Luzader helped lead an Apple Cup challenge with UW that raised more than $17,000 for the pantry.
“Being a part of the pantry has been one of the most meaningful parts of my college experience, not just because of what we do, but because of why we do it,” Luzader said. “Since I’ve been involved, I’ve watched the pantry grow — not just in size, but in awareness and impact. More students are using it. More students are talking about it. And more of our community is stepping up to support it. We’re reducing the stigma, we’re increasing access and we’re making sure students can get through school with dignity and support.”
Attendees of the event were invited to take photos with members of the Seattle Seahawks, tour the Cougar Food Pantry and try free samples from WSU Dining Services following the discussion.
