Let’s Talk About Food Insecurity: A Conversation with Jordyn Lenard

Lucy Olmstead | lolmstead@butler.edu 

As students may or may not know, Butler University opened a food pantry in the Spring of 2021, amid Covid-19. “It began because food insecurity is often an un-addressed need, and operating this service allows for those who may be struggling financially to have access to nutritious food on a more consistent basis,” explained Jordyn Lenard, the Student Director of the food pantry. Throughout the past two years, food pantries nationwide have had to constantly change their ways of distribution from pre-pandemic to now. 

Since on-campus COVID-19 protocols have changed since last spring, Jordan explained that “the format of the service was much different than it is now- students ordered certain food bags online (i.e., weekday gluten free, weekend snacks, snack lactose free, etc.), the Volunteer Center staff packed them, and students were able to pick up their bags at designated times. This year, students are welcome to visit the food pantry at their convenience during our operating hours and choose any items that they prefer.”  

Jordan has been working for the food pantry since it opened and has been emphasizing on the fact that “[she] doesn’t believe that the collateral consequences of food insecurity are discussed enough.” There is often a negative stigma associated with food pantries and most of the time, students don’t even know where to begin to get help. “Our goal with the food pantry is to alleviate food insecurity among Butler students. We have information to other resources that those who use the service can utilize as well, such as off-campus food pantries, SNAP, and other on-campus resources.” 

In addition to the negative stigma society has casted upon food pantries, most college students are too often embarrassed or insecure to admit that they need to use a food pantry. “[They] tend to feel shame about having to use food pantries and there is a large stigma regarding accepting the things that you might need for free due to not having the means to get it for yourself. To reduce the stigma surrounding food pantries, the food pantry is a confidential service, offers a variety of food items, and we are working to expand awareness about why food pantries are needed. There are no requirements to use this service and any student is welcome to do so.” 

For around a year now, Butler’s Food Pantry has been working diligently to help students in need, to help reduce the stigma, and to educate their campus on the importance of food pantries and food insecurity. As for the future, Jordan stated that, “We want to send out more educational materials to faculty, staff, and students so that everyone is aware of the service and why Butler's campus needs to have a food pantry.”  

To find more information on Butler’s Food Pantry, you can visit their Instagram @buvolunteer or email them at volunteer@butler.edu. Those who are interested in contributing financially can donate here.

Photo Courtesy of Katie Grieze