College students are notoriously hungry, but for some, hunger is a real struggle.

Across the country, the problem of “food insecurity” is starting to rise on college campuses. With tuition and living expenses skyrocketing, it’s easy to see how students are struggling. After paying rent, utilities and college expenses, there may not be much left behind for groceries.

At Iowa State, The SHOP is celebrating its fifth anniversary of providing aid to students who don’t have enough to eat. The SHOP is a student and faculty food pantry currently housed in room 2616 of the Food Science Building.

The president of the club, Heather Van Wyk, has been involved for the past three years and has seen the expansion of the organization firsthand.

“It has been so cool to not only hear how The SHOP started and see how much we have grown but also experience that growth over the course of the three years that I have volunteered,” Van Wyk said. “I am very excited to see how we will continue to develop as an on-campus resource for our fellow students in need.”

During the past five years, the organization has witnessed a steady increase of students and faculty who visit The SHOP. The group served 10 people per week on average in the beginning but have grown to serve between six and 10 times that amount. Donations The SHOP receives have steadily grown to supply the increased demand.

Members have even put on Mobile SHOPs at university apartments during the year and have discussed finding a larger home. However, this week is all about celebration of the past. 

Its Executive Student Leader Team organized a table at the Memorial Union, provided snacks at Curtiss Hall and went on local news stations to bring awareness to students and community members. The SHOP will host a birthday party to celebrate the past, present and future from 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday. Games will be set up to play and there will be birthday cake, along with a food drive. Visitors who bring in two canned items will get a free T-shirt.

Another fact the program can boast about is that it has 230 volunteers currently that stock, organize and run the food pantry. Monica Thornton, the volunteer coordinator for The SHOP, explained that most people volunteer because of personal experiences and passion for the project.

“I had a friend last year that didn’t have any money for food and he would go to the dining centers really early so when the rush of students came in he could blend in without having to swipe his ID. That’s the only way he got to eat,” Thornton said.

Those who want to donate to The SHOP should give both non-perishable foods and hygiene products. Donation drop-offs are located in the Food Sciences Building. Those who wish to give large donations are asked to contact volunteers to discuss drop-off details.

Those interested in volunteering at The SHOP should attend one of the volunteer meetings. Volunteers meet the first Wednesday of every month and are only required to volunteer three times each semester. Contact Monica Thornton at [email protected] with any questions.