“Cobbler Closet” fights food insecurity

The “Cobbler Closet” food pantry is open at William Carey University – a partnership between the Student Government Association and the Office of Student Services.

“Cobbler Closet is something we’ve needed. It’s something our student government has advocated for, and I would say it’s a great help in fighting food insecurity. Even though it’s still new, more and more students are utilizing it,” said SGA President Anna Carroll.

“The food pantry stocks dry goods and canned foods donated by supporters. We also have a refrigerator, where we’re able to offer fresh produce purchased with cash donations.”

Located at the Fitness Center, Cobbler Closet was open two days a week during the fall trimester. But there are plans to expand that schedule to three days a week during the winter term.

“Students shouldn’t feel shy about visiting a food pantry. We’ve done a good bit of work to minimize the ‘stigma’ with walk-throughs, social media posts, etc. There are no forms to fill out, and students don’t have to make requests in writing,” said Dr. Anna Bailey, Dean of Students & Campus Wellness.

On Oct. 21, William Carey University, University of Southern Mississippi, and Pearl River Community College co-hosted the “United Against Hunger” food drive at Corner Market grocery store on Hardy Street. The goal was to help stock food pantries at each campus.

“It was on a Saturday and it was wildly successful. Shoppers donated six buggies filled to the brim to split among the schools’ food pantries. Two ladies each gave a buggy-full of groceries all by themselves. And some people made cash donations, too,” Bailey said.

Supporters can contribute online by visiting Cobbler Closet’s “Wish List” on Amazon.com – just enter this link, https://a.co/bacNwIs.