GovState's Family Development Center opens food pantry ahead of holiday season
By Sarah Shoaf, Staff Writer
Just ahead of the holidays, Governors State University’s (GovState) Family Development Center (FDC) started their own Micro Food Pantry to assist the families they serve.
Erin Gutiérrez, Executive Director of the FDC, said that the GovState community has already shown up in support in the short time the pantry has been open.
"We have received over 500 items donated to the pantry, with 200 already distributed to approximately 15 families,” said Gutiérrez. “Even our Occupational Therapy students, who are completing their fieldwork course at the FDC, brought in food.”
“That doesn’t include the six pounds of lettuce we harvested and gave away before break from our hydroponics unit, which the children helped grow, which is the coolest thing ever!” added Gutiérrez.
The FDC decided to open their own food pantry after conducting a survey that revealed that 63% of their families would use a pantry if one became available. The FDC's Micro Food Pantry is accepting ongoing donations of unexpired dry goods, diapers, and wipes. This includes non-perishable food items, like canned vegetables, dry cereals, pasta and pasta sauce, rice, and fruit cups and applesauce.
Donations that can be used in recipes or to make a simple meal, like soup and crackers or peanut butter and jelly, are particularly helpful to families. “Dorothy Bertram, our Education Director, even made birthday cake kits that include cake mix, frosting, a banner, and candles," said Gutiérrez, adding that the feedback from families has been positive.
Gutiérrez said that the FDC’s support extends beyond the food pantry, noting that one of their Early Head Start home visitors, Lisette Martinez-Flores, gave families on her caseload a holiday pantry bundle ahead of GovState’s Holiday Meal Drive-Up.
“GovState has always been an amazing resource for our families,” said Gutiérrez. “I am currently working with the School of Extended Learning to inform our family service staff about their offering, so we can connect our families with other education opportunities that GovState has to offer.”
While she’s actively looking for more ways to assist families, Gutiérrez is thankful for all the support she’s received from the GovState community.
“I’m so grateful for our FDC staff, the Jr. Jaguars, their families, and GovState faculty and staff for all their support. We truly are better together!” said Gutiérrez.
Anyone interested in donating to the Family Development Center’s Micro Food Pantry can visit the center’s front desk where an administrator will provide access to the pantry. The Family Development Center is located on GovState’s campus across from West Lot 1.