Paws' Pantry is an essential resource for the IU Indianapolis community, providing many students who experience food insecurity access to the free food and toiletries they need. Last semester, Paws' Pantry served 3,312 students, staff and faculty. To accomplish this and serve the campus community, Paws' Pantry moves thousands of pounds of food each semester — both literally from supply trucks and then into the hands of customers — a task that would be impossible without its dedicated student team.
"Our student team continues to amaze me every day," Andi Weidner, Paws' Pantry assistant, said. "They consistently go above and beyond to make sure that the pantry is clean, stocked and running smoothly. We are all a team, and without each other, the pantry would not be what it is today."
The current student team is made up of 23 lead volunteers and five executive staff members, all of whom commit time each week to this invaluable service. Lead volunteers stock the pantry, assist patrons of the pantry and make sure the pantry is clean and accessible. Executive staff members run Paws' Pantry behind the scenes by making sure there is enough food and supplies to serve the IU Indianapolis student population.
Leslie Vazquez, a student member of the executive team, appreciates the community she’s been able to build through her work.
"I love talking to the people who come into Paws' Pantry, and with the different volunteers," Vazquez said. "Getting to help people and to restock the pantry are some of my favorite parts of the job. The Paws' Pantry team is always nice and helpful, which makes working here really fun."
