The Store, George Washington University’s free food pantry, has marked a decade of serving and supporting students on campus. It opened its doors in October 2016 with the mission of ensuring students have what they need to succeed academically and personally.
Sherry Leung, director of student support at GW, sees The Store as one of the many ways the university works to ensure students have resources they can turn to when they need help.
“We want to figure out how to meet the essential needs of our students, so that way we're helping to cultivate that sense of belonging on campus and improving well-being outcomes,” Leung said.
Any student registered for at least one credit at GW is eligible to shop at The Store. Located in Room B121 of District House, the space was intentionally designed to make the experience feel like a regular trip to the grocery store, Leung said.
Students tap their GWorld cards when they arrive, grab a shopping basket and select the items they need. The shelves are filled with staple items such as canned goods, rice and pasta—and usually some sort of snack item.
Through a partnership with GW Dining, The Store offers fresh produce, including vegetables and a selection of fruits that changes depending on the season. Protein options include tofu and chicken, with beef available at times. The Store also offers hygiene products such as soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes.
“We really try to be consistent about what options are available at The Store,” Leung said. “Our shoppers have told us they really appreciate knowing and having that security and confidence that they could come first thing Monday or at the very end of the week and they can trust we will have food for them regardless of the time of week.”
The Store is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, with some evening hours designed to accommodate graduate students who come to campus after work.
The Store is student-run and its operations depend in large part on volunteers.
“I am really inspired by and encouraged by the number of shoppers who choose to volunteer their time with us,” Leung said. “A lot of the volunteers are telling us they want to be able to give back to this community with whatever they have. They may not have money to give but they want to give their time.”
Jayden Wheatley, a junior studying organizational science who serves as The Store’s manager, said its mission centers on providing students with a welcoming environment where they can access free food and essential items.
“What I love most about it is how welcoming the environment is,” Wheatley said. “Asking for food assistance can feel uncomfortable or awkward, but we strive to create a judgment-free and positive atmosphere where everyone who shops at the store feels welcomed and supported.”
A.C. Buckley, a graduate student in GW’s Milken Institute School of Public Health who manages volunteer recruitment and operations for The Store, said the pantry responds to a need that can affect students’ ability to succeed academically.
She cited a recent study by the Hope Center that found that 41% of college students experience some level of food insecurity.
“Knowing this, it makes sense for GW to respond to this clear need,” Buckley said. “While students attend GW, they should be able to focus on their academics.”
For Buckley, one of the most meaningful parts of her role is seeing how The Store helps students directly.
“Seeing the real impact that The Store has on students' lives. Not only am I able to build relationships with our team, but also students who utilize The Store and share how much it fills in the gap for what they need,” Buckley said.
Community members can support The Store’s work through monetary donations or by purchasing items directly from its Amazon Wishlist.