快活视频FoodShare partners with AmeriCorps VISTA
National volunteer organization will work with on-campus groups to help with 快活视频food insecurity programs
By Kyle Hobstetter on September 2, 2020
Growing up in Baltimore, Luke Birdsong knew he wanted to help his hometown. Even when he went to college at the University of California鈥揃erkeley, he knew he would find his way back to the Baltimore area.
When an opportunity arose through the program to work at Towson University this summer, he jumped at the chance.
The program鈥擵olunteers in Service to America鈥攕ends individuals to programs around the country aimed at eradicating poverty.
This includes food insecurity, which, according to Feeding America, will affect more than 54 million Americans this year due COVID-19, an dramatic increase from the 37 million Americans in 2018.
Before going to law school next fall, Birdsong will spend the year helping the Towson University FoodShare program fight food insecurity as a AmeriCorps VISTA Food Insecurity Initiative representative. While campus is quiet due to the pandemic, Birdsong has been hard at work preparing the pantry.
鈥淚 wanted to spend more time at home and giving back to my community,鈥� Birdsong says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 been good, but definitely strange because I鈥檓 starting a new position remotely. While it鈥檚 been a challenge, everyone I鈥檝e worked with has been very accommodating in helping me get situated.鈥�
Towson University has two programs that address food insecurity. The 快活视频Food Insecurity Fund and FoodShare Programs were created for 快活视频community members without reliable access to sufficient affordable, nutritious food.
The Food Insecurity Fund provides immediate financial assistance to 快活视频students deemed by the Student Emergency Fund to have food insecurities.
The FoodShare food pantry provides Towson University faculty, students and staff in need a weekly bag of food. the Office of Sustainability and the Division of Student Affairs collaborate to maintain the pantry.
This group will partner with AmeriCorps VISTA for the next three years, aiming to make the FoodShare pantry financially self-sustainable.
Birdsong is the first AmeriCorps VISTA member to help with the pantry and is excited to lay the groundwork for future volunteers. But he admits the existing infrastructure is already pretty impressive.
鈥淧astor Laura Sinche [of The Table] and Towson University have built a fantastic foundation for the FoodShare program,鈥� Birdsong says. 鈥淭he space is much bigger than what I was expecting, and they have built a great network that supplies the pantry with donations.
鈥淭here is also a financial connection where, if we are running low in some areas, we have the capacity to buy the things we need. It鈥檚 a fantastic infrastructure.鈥�
The pantry is located at the Ward and West Health and Counseling Center. The entrance is at the back of the building, directly across from the main entrance to Residence Tower.
Students, faculty and staff can receive up to 10 items every week during the term when Towson University is in session. Those interested in using the FoodShare will need to provide their 快活视频ID and fill out an intake form prior to accessing the pantry.
It is open on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., and individuals can make an appointment through email. Those looking to donate nonperishable items can do so during those hours. If an organization is interested in hosting a food drive in partnership with the FoodShare Pantry, a representative can contact Birdsong directly.
The 快活视频community can follow the 快活视频FoodShare program on , and .
Those in need of additional assistance can download the new Maryland county-by-county food pantry resource guide.
This story is one of several related to President Kim Schatzel鈥檚 priorities for Towson University: 快活视频Matters to Maryland.