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In the wake of the Dec. 6 tragedy, UNLV’s campus community stuck together to remind their friends, colleagues, and everyone struggling that they are not alone. As the campus still mourns the loss of three professors, some may have face the added stress of food insecurity.

The UNLV Food Pantry, managed by the School of Integrated Health Sciences, has altered its hours of operation for the rest of the calendar year and can be accessed Monday through Wednesday from noon-4 p.m. by appointment only. Proof of Rebel ID is also required to access the pantry.

UNLV Food Pantry Coordinator Carmen Johnson said its usage has increased dramatically in the past two weeks.

“I feel it is our obligation to show compassion to the UNLV community,” she said. “Whether it is food, a smile or a kind word — we want to show the campus that we care and that we are there for them.”

The Food Pantry recently acquired a new van to bring in more food, thanks to a generous donation from Three Square Food Bank and the Molasky family. The new van is helping the Food Pantry improve its food rescue efforts with local grocery stores, which translates to many healthier and higher-quality food items available to the campus community.

With most on-campus dining options closed until mid-January, students who live on campus have felt a sense of relief to learn that they can still pick up essential food items from the Food Pantry.

“I’ve been a student here since 2019 and never knew we had a food pantry on campus,” one student said. “It has been a great resource for us and has been especially helpful for students who live on campus.”

The opportunity to help give back to the campus community still in pain has also brought a sense of pride to the Food Pantry’s student employees — the ones who help to keep pantry shelves stocked and organized for patrons.

“Providing this service embodies the Food Pantry's main mission, which is to help people when they need it,” said Matahn Blank, a student employee pursuing a master’s in emergency and crisis management. “I feel inclined to give back because we have built relationships with our patrons. When people rely on you, you show up.”

Johnson said she is hopeful that more members of the UNLV community will take advantage of the items available within the Food Pantry, especially in the midst of the holiday season.

“I’m hopeful that the Food Pantry can bring some much-needed relief to those members of our campus community most in need,” said Ronald Brown, dean of UNLV’s School of Integrated Health Sciences. “This holiday season, it’s more important than ever to remind our UNLV family that they are not alone.

"I’m grateful to our Food Pantry students, staff, and volunteers for providing these critical services.”

To schedule an appointment or to make a donation to the UNLV Food Pantry, email food.pantry@unlv.edu.