Bridging gaps: The dual role of Archie’s Pantry as both a teaching lab and a resource for campus

Many college students find that even careful budgeting can be upended by unexpected expenses—car repairs, medical bills or a sudden change in work hours. When these surprises hit, food is often the first resource students cut back on, making reliable access to supplemental food assistance essential for maintaining both well‑being and academic focus.

A survey by Swipe Out Hunger found that 95% of university campuses in the United States operate a food pantry. In Indiana, it is estimated that over 18,000 students visit campus food pantries annually.

Archie's Food Closet, named after the University of Southern Indiana’s mascot, Archibald T. Eagle, was established in 1992 by Sandra Lawrence, former Director of Health Services and Wellness. Lawrence, who worked at the University from 1984 to 2002, had a simple but powerful vision: to keep all students “healthy and happy so that they can do their best.”

Since its inception, USI’s Recreation, Fitness and Wellness Center has made health and wellness a priority by maintaining this free and confidential service. With support from the USI community and surrounding area, Archie’s Closet has provided non‑perishable food and personal hygiene items for students and employees during challenging times.

A new partnership between the Dean of Students Office and the Kinney College of Nursing and Health Profession’s Food and Nutrition Department is designed to elevate this valuable campus resource with a more central and accessible location, expanded food options, nutrition education and more.

When it officially opens in a newly remodeled space on Wednesday, April 15 in Room 1265 of the Dean of Students Office, located in University Center East, it will be known as “Archie’s Pantry,” but the name change is just a small part of the rebrand, according to Dr. Beth Young, Assistant Professor and Chair of Food and Nutrition, who is organizing the initiative in collaboration with the Office of Student Affairs.

“The renovation of the campus food pantry comes at a crucial time, expanding its capacity and improving its accessibility so students can more comfortably seek support when they need it,” says Young. “This renewed space is more than an update—it’s a commitment to ensuring that no student has to choose between meeting their basic needs and pursuing their education.”

While it is not uncommon for college campuses to provide food pantries, Archie’s Pantry at USI will be unique because it will be supported by students and faculty from the Food and Nutrition program.

“Food and Nutrition students will be actively involved with stocking, inventory management, food safety and nutrition education,” says Amanda Herrmann, Instructor in Food and Nutrition. “Integrating nutrition students into managing the campus food pantry will allow for a greater level of sustainability and consistent student engagement. This will provide a year-round hands-on learning experience for our students, while simultaneously enhancing the services within Archie’s Pantry.” 

Herrmann says that by helping at the pantry, students will develop a greater understanding of the contributing factors to food insecurity and health and social inequities, in addition to gaining professional skills, including management of an advanced inventory system.

Those who visit the pantry will be able to leave with more than just peanut butter and canned goods. The pantry will also stock meat, fresh produce and dairy items, plus recipes by USI food and nutrition students to inspire healthy meal planning.

The expanded food options will be made possible through a collaboration with the Tri-State Food Bank, according to Young. “Any charitable gifts made to the pantry will be used to purchase a wide variety of items through the Tri-State Food Bank. As a partner of Feeding America, the Tri-State Food Bank leverages buying power, so our money will go even farther than before. For example, a $10 gift to Archie’s Pantry through the USI Foundation will help us buy enough food from the Tri-State Food Bank for 60 meals.”

Young said Archie’s Pantry is also collaborating with Feed Evansville’s bulk buying program to purchase supplemental food items at wholesale prices. In addition, she has created an online wish list for items not available locally, and there will still be campus food drives to collect donations to help stock the shelves.

The pantry will operate on an honor system with a theme of “Take only what is necessary and leave what you can.” USI community members may visit once per week and select up to 15 items each time, with additional item limits set for specific zones within the pantry.

The pantry will include: 

Archie’s Pantry will have two entrances: one door connects directly to University Center East, requiring a card swipe entry (7 a.m. through midnight, seven days a week), while another door is an internal door inside the Dean of Students Office, offering a more private, confidential way for community members to enter and exit the pantry (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday).

For more information, visit USI.edu/archies-pantry.

Visit our “Ways to Help” page: https://www.usi.edu/archies-pantry/ways-to-help.