Utah State University food pantry receives more funding

Since relocating at the start of the school year, the Student Nutrition Access Center (SNAC) has brought in more students than in past years, and has earned itself more funding.

The SNAC program is Utah State University’s food pantry and has received more funding this year.

“We’re not in a dingy corner anymore,” said Emma Brain, the service center director. Brain said she attributes the exponential rise in number to be from students spreading the word.

“SNAC is my best friend,” said Erik Fogth, a student who regularly attends.

Jenna Stoker is the former director of SNAC. “We used to be located in the back corner of the third floor and now we are more visible,” said Stoker, who still volunteers with SNAC. “It’s now taken over half the service center, and there is an average of 85 visits per day.”

Other programs like Campus Kitchen and the USU Gleaning Team launched last year and help to sustain SNAC. These programs are all run through the Food Recovery Network and have been a focus of the university this year.

SNAC focuses on nutrition and does not cut corners, according to Brain. “We provide fresh produce, fruits and vegetables. SNAC does not skip out on health,” she said.

Brain lobbied to receive more funding for the program this year. “With this extra money, we can provide produce in the winter when we normally do not have it,” she said. The extra funding will kick in at the end of November.

The SNAC program, located on the third floor of the Taggart Student Center, allows students to take home food or to get a meal when they have their student ID.

“It goes full circle because you can benefit from the service and then also serve yourself,”  Stoker said. The SNAC program needs 15 volunteers to run.

“We’re all a little awestruck by how much it’s grown this year,” Brain said. “It’s exciting.”

The Student Nutrition Access Center