Latest News, Life, News Washington State University Vancouver’s Cougar Food Pantry was selected to receive donations from the Safeway Foundation’s annual Nourishing Neighbors campaign. The aim is to ensure WSU-V students and their families have access to proper nutrition.
Donations made at checkouts at the Washougal Safeway store, 3307 Evergreen Blvd., Building 5, through Sept. 30 will be used to provide non-perishable food items for the pantry.
“Every student deserves a healthy start to their day,” said Cougar Food Pantry Coordinator Cyle Malcolm. “Now more than ever, fighting hunger is an imperative in our community. We are delighted to be the charity partner for the Washougal Safeway and thank the Safeway Foundation for its dedication to ensuring no students or families have to start their day hungry.”
The Cougar Food Pantry was founded in fall 2012 when a WSU financial aid system glitch delayed the disbursement of millions of dollars in grants and loans to students. Many students and their families faced the possibility of going without food until their aid came through. Eight years later, the need continues. In a survey conducted in 2019, 36 percent of WSU-V students reported being food insecure. COVID-19 and subsequent loss of jobs exacerbated the problem for many students in 2020.
