Written by:Dakota Gange

The holiday season is known for notoriously tough times. The gray skies exacerbate seasonal affective disorders, which can lead to a plethora of life complications. The cold and rainy weather means higher electric bills. 

Western has a multitude of student support services to help combat these difficulties. Through visiting Abby’s House on the first floor of the Werner University Center, students can find resources to aid in housing, food insecurity and basic needs. At the Student Health and Wellness Center, students can find quick and easy access to simple medical care and counseling, including couples counseling.  

A unique benefit Western offers is the Food Pantry, located in the Welcome Center. One does not need to be a student to take advantage of the Food Pantry’s resources. The Food Pantry operates on a nearly no questions asked basis. There is no limit on how much one can take or how often one can visit. The process is completely anonymous, with only two questions to answer at checkout— how many people one is shopping for and whether one is a community member or Western student. 

However, the Food Pantry gets deliveries at the beginning of the month; so if one were to visit earlier this week, they’d find virtually empty shelves. 

In response, Hunter Hall —fourth year math major and ASWOU vice president— took to local businesses and ran a food drive. Ironically, though, the Independence Grocery Outlet was the only local business that agreed to collaborate in the effort by hosting a large container for community members to donate non-perishables. 

Hall did not let the lack of local business support keep him down —he and his small team of volunteers collected enough non-perishables to practically fill a third of his office.

“It’s my job to set into motion events like this; I want to help my people,” said Hall. “It feels good to give back; bringing in all the food to the pantry, it puts into perspective how much we actually got.” 

A pile of vividly colored food boxes and cans await distribution to the Food Pantry shelves, which could be as early as Thursday, making it available to the public after the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. The drive brought in 496 pounds of food. 

Hall put together a seven page guide that he hopes will be used in the future for annual fall food drives, with plans to run for ASWOU president for the 2023-24 school year. Maintaining open office hours, those desiring to engage with Hall can easily reach him in person or over Zoom. Hall encourages anyone who wants to talk with him to not hesitate to reach out — “My door is always open,” he added.

Hall’s updated office hours can be found posted on the front door of the ASWOU office in the Werner University Center, but are typically Mon from 12 p.m. – 2 p.m., Tue from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., Wed 1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., and Thu 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.

For more information, frequently asked questions, or to volunteer at the Food Pantry, visit their website at https://wou.edu/foodpantry/.

Contact the author at howlmanagingeditor@wou.edu