Updates to Panther Pantry will bring more awareness to student resource
Updates to Panther Pantry will bring more awareness to student resource
Students may notice some changes to the central hub of UNI campus after returning from winter break. The most prominent change to Maucker Union will be the new-and-improved space for the Panther Pantry, which has moved from the lower level to a highly visible location, dramatically increasing both its size and accessibility.
The pantry’s move to the main level provides significantly more student foot traffic, helping raise awareness of this resource for students and reduce barriers to use. It has also nearly tripled in size, now measuring just under 900 square feet. The additional room allows the pantry to stock a wider variety of food and essential items while also maintaining a larger back inventory to ensure shelves remain well supplied.
Students will now have greater access to essentials such as milk, eggs and proteins. The renovation adds commercial-grade refrigerators and freezers, enabling the pantry to offer more high-demand refrigerated and frozen items.
The expansion comes in response to a steady increase in student demand. When the pantry opened in 2019, it distributed more than 5.5 tons of food and essential items to 375 students. Most recent stats show the demand has tripled – with the pantry distributing more than 15 tons of food and essentials to hundreds more students.
Additional features included in the renovation include a new digital display outside the pantry that will provide education about food insecurity and highlight resources available to UNI students. A donation drop box has also been installed, allowing campus and community members to contribute food and supplies during normal Maucker Union hours.
Beyond the physical updates, the Panther Pantry is also exploring new programming opportunities. Plans include product sampling, educational sessions focused on preparing healthy meals, and expanded partnerships with campus departments, student organizations and community groups to support food drives. If you would like to get involved, there are numerous ways to help out Panther Pantry.
In addition to Panther Pantry, students will notice updates to the Northern Iowa Student Government and Office of Event Services.
