In 2012, the GivingTuesday idea was launched with the goal of encouraging others to do good. Today, the movement has become a global initiative in over 100 countries, supporting local communities and spreading generosity through simple acts of kindness. On December 2, millions gather to celebrate and nourish their communities, whether it’s donating money, time, or a simple smile; every act of generosity counts.
This year’s St. Louis GivingTuesday campaign is raising funds for our UMSL Triton Pantry to help fuel student success. The Triton Pantry began with founder Robin Kimberlin, who coordinated the distribution of snack bags to students on campus after noticing the community’s struggle with food insecurity across all ages. In 2018, space for the Triton Pantry was officially opened. As a campus-based food pantry, Triton Pantry serves students on campus at the Millennium Student Center.
College is a critical turning point, for both younger students earning minimum wages and for adults and parents seeking to start or finish advanced degrees. Kimberlin highlights, “it’s the future of our communities, the students who are here right now. And if we can provide support while they’re here, you are impacting way beyond that one gift.”
To support Triton students, the pantry partners with community organizations for donations and bulk-purchased goods. They aim to provide students with more than just canned goods, including nutritious items, as well as hygiene and care products. Triton Pantry is also a partner of the St. Louis Area Diaper Bank and the first University to partner with the St. Louis Area Food Bank.
The GivingTuesday Triton Pantry campaign reminds people that college students are struggling. Triton Pantry Supervisor Shannon Quinn emphasizes the need for more than canned goods.
“We don’t want to glorify the ramen noodle diet. They need nutritious, stable access to foods that are going to fuel them while they’re here trying to learn.”
The Triton Pantry also offers a full-circle opportunity for students seeking part-time work. UMSL student Johnathon Copeland shared how his experience with hunger led to a meaningful work opportunity.
“I was hungry and I came down for something to eat. I saw that there was a much bigger selection here than a lot of the other food pantries that I’ve been to. And I think the one thing that really appealed to me the most is that it was a no-questions-asked space and it was a free open model, where you could go around and you could shop and get the things that you need without being pestered or followed around or anything like that.”
Now as a student worker, Copeland gets to help other Tritons facing similar struggles.
“I’ve definitely seen the lives of people change. One of the most inspiring stories or things that has happened was when I had a student come in and they were just looking for a bowl to get some cereal and milk. They didn’t have enough money to buy anything from the Nosh and they couldn’t find a bowl anywhere, so I went with them. We found a cup. We put some cereal, some milk up in there and the smile on his face was – it was just life-changing to me. And so now every time I see that person, biggest smile, it’s like we’ve been best friends for life.”
Every contribution makes a difference in more than one way.
Those looking to donate dollars this GivingTuesday can support our Triton Pantry here.
