There's a myth that college students have meal plans and don't need assistance getting food. UMKC Student Involvement Coordinator LaShaundra Randolph is exposing that myth as her team puts food on the table for struggling students, faculty and staff.
"I think what's important is that we need to take care of our UMKC family so who better to take care of the family than us," said Randolph.
One year ago this week, Randolph and her team started the Kangaroo Food Bank. They've served more than 400 people and provided more than 10,000 pounds of food. The on-campus food pantry is convenient for students and helps relieve the pressure financially struggling students face.
Zendrix Berndt is a UMKC senior studying sociology and was one of the first clients at the Kangaroo Food Pantry.
"Sometimes it's hard to choose between do I pay for these school supplies that are requirements or do I have something on the table," said Berndt.
"Whatever you need, they are more than willing to accommodate you and make you feel welcome in the space, which can be hard because you're already coming in with the attitude of I don't really what to have to ask for anything, you know," Berndt explained.
"No Roo goes without" is the Kangaroo Food Pantry motto.
Alumni, community members and volunteers donate food and money and keep the pantry stocked. The Kangaroo Pantry is also a partner with Harvesters and is able to purchase food from Harvesters at a substantially reduced cost. It's open two days a week. Clients get free food and limitless supply of encouragement.
UMKC is one of several colleges in the U.S. that has an on-campus food bank.
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Cynthia Newsome can be reached at cynthia.newsome@kshb.com.
