Oakland University’s Golden Grizzlies Pantry has expanded its services, further advancing its efforts to ensure all OU students have access to basic necessities.
As the name implies, the Golden Grizzlies Pantry offers food and drink resources. However, the pantry supplies more than just groceries — it also distributes toiletries, sanitary products and cleaning supplies to any student in need.
Visitors to the pantry may also browse the Grizz Garments clothing selection. The Grizz Garments clothing closet provides business professional and business casual wear to OU students, free of charge.
Recently, the pantry received a grant from Swipe Out Hunger. The money from this grant was used to purchase a refrigerator, which means the pantry can now distribute perishable food items.
“It has been my goal to get a fridge for the Golden Grizzlies Pantry since I began working here,” Bella Levitt, the manager of the Golden Grizzlies Food Pantry said. “I am very happy that we were able to make perishable food distribution a reality.”
So far, the addition of perishable food to the pantry’s list of offerings has been an incredible success. Levitt emphasized the demand for perishable items is high. Sometimes, the fully-stocked fridge will empty in just one day.
“We have received a lot of support from our campus partners like the Campus Student Organic Farm [CSOF],” Levitt said. “Following their [the CSOF’s] weekly farmstand, CSOF workers donate their remaining produce to the pantry.”
The CSOF’s Thursday donations fill the pantry fridge with various varieties of vegetables, herbs and fruits. Levitt regularly maintains a stock of eggs and dairy products as well.
“A steady flow of students come into the pantry throughout the week,” Maggie Quinn, a student assistant at the Golden Grizzlies Pantry, said. “We are constantly restocking our shelves and the grab-and-go snack cart.”
Despite the financial support provided by the Student Emergency Relief Fund and generous donations, the pantry struggles to keep up with the high demand for its services.
“We love to promote the pantry so every student knows about our services and is informed about how they may access them,” Levitt said. “However, we are reliant on community support to maintain our service offerings.”
Levitt encourages OU community members to donate non-perishable food items to the donation box outside the pantry. Individuals who want to donate perishable items may contact Levitt via email at [email protected].
The pantry also provides volunteer opportunities for community members who would like to donate their time. Those interested can find information on how to volunteer by accessing the Golden Grizzlies Pantry webpage.
“My ultimate goal with the pantry is to combat basic needs insecurity by expanding our services and offerings,” Levitt said.
Located in room 42 on the lower level of the Oakland Center, the operating hours of the Golden Grizzlies Pantry are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, except on Tuesdays when the pantry opens at 11 a.m.
The pantry is available for any student in need. Students are encouraged to visit the Office for Student Involvement (OSI) if they want to use the pantry’s services outside operating hours.
For frequent updates on Golden Grizzlies Pantry needs and offerings, visit the pantry’s Instagram or contact the pantry through email at [email protected].
