Methodist College staff have implemented changes to the college’s food pantry – Ollie’s Pantry -- to make it more accessible to students. The Office of Access, Support, and Inclusion Services (OASIS) is now leading pantry operations at Methodist College. Danielle McCoy, Director of OASIS; Kendra Belk, Student Wellness and Career Services Coordinator; and Makayla Feith, Student Pantry Coordinator, will replenish the pantry and assist students. 
The biggest change is the Ollie’s Grab N’ Go station located outside of the OASIS office. Ollie’s Grab N’ Go station is an extension of the pantry that provides pre-packaged items for students in need of a quick meal or snack. The station will have breakfast items, snacks, and beverages. The Grab N’ Go station is available during regular campus hours.
The pantry itself it now located in the OASIS office with extended hours. The pantry is open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. when OASIS staff are in the office. As OASIS staff may not be available to open the pantry at all times, an appointment is recommended to ensure staff is available to assist.
Inside the OASIS, the main pantry offers toiletries, and canned goods. Students can also request items such as toilet paper, toothbrush, baby items, snacks, rice, pasta, drinks, and other miscellaneous items. If students are unable to visit the pantry during regular hours, they can put in a request and the items will be packaged and left with the security office for pickup.
The pantry is sustained by donations and Midwest Food Bank contributions.
Food insecurity is a top concern among college students. According to a survey conducted in March 2021 by Course Hero of 11,000 college students “more than 60 percent of respondents now report that food and rent remain their top two financial needs.” Ollie’s Pantry, named after the Methodist College owl mascot, has served students since 2017. As food insecurity can impact a student’s education, the pantry was developed to ease that stress for our students to focus on their educational goals.
To order items from the pantry or request an appointment to visit the pantry, students are asked to complete the form. The pantry will try to accommodate student needs, but specific items may be substituted. For example, students may request chicken noodle soup, but if it is not available another soup may be substituted.
To make a request or have questions about the pantry, email Kendra Belk.