AIR DATE JANUARY 6, 2022
Title: Beyond Food Pantries
Non-profits are working hard to help provide food and other supplies to those in need.
Guests and Locations
UCF Knights Helping Knights Pantry, Student Union Associate Director & Pantry Manager – Jeannie Kiriwas & Nickalos Wise
United Against Poverty, Executive Director – Nancy Robbinson
Tackling Food Insecurity in Orange County
Every day, hundreds of families across the nation struggle with food insecurity. It could be the result of a financial crisis or an external factor beyond the family’s control.
While most people associate food insecurity with poverty, the reality is that anyone can experience it.
Thankfully, several organizations are fighting back against food insecurity in Orange County.
Hear from Jeannie Kiriwas, Nickolas Wise, and Nancy Robbinson. Jeannie is the UCF Student Union Associate Director, Nickolas is the UCF Knights Helping Knights Pantry Manager, and Nancy is the Executive Director of the United Against Poverty campus in Downtown Orlando
Food Insecurity Among College Students Is Real
According to the Hope Center Real College study completed in 2021, about three in every five students face some form of basic need insecurity.
To help combat this, the Knights Helping Knights Pantry at UCF keeps a supply of food (in addition to clothing, hygiene items, and a blazer rental program). Their pantry has grown to include non-perishable goods and bread, produce, yogurt, milk, butter, and even frozen goods.
Nickolas explains how to gain access to this pantry, “They have to be a UCF student. So once they come into the pantry, we only ask to see their UCF ID. Once they present that to us, we can show them around the pantry. If they need any help, we’re able to assist them. But after that is free reign for them just to come out and get anything that they need.”
If you are a UCF student, you can volunteer at the pantry. Applications open via the Knight Connect portal or directly with the pantry before the semester starts. They also invite others in the community to plan volunteering days.
If you’d rather donate goods, the Knights Helping Knights Pantry accepts foods, clothing items, hygiene items, and monetary donations. They even have an Amazon wish list online that shows you their current needs.
Family Food Grocery Program in Downtown Orlando
The United Against Poverty campus in Downtown Orlando provides a valuable food grocery program to help families in the community fight food insecurity.
Nancy explains, “Our low-cost grocery program provides healthy food and household items for families to help them stretch their dollars every month.”
Orange County families in need can save up to 70% off their groceries because UAP receives food donations from about 120 different product partners. “The food comes from about 14 different states,” she says, “85% of our food is donated, and 15% of it we actually purchase to make sure that it’s a well-rounded food offering for our members.”
Walking into United Against Poverty, you’ll see a proper grocery store. There is everything from milk to eggs and vegetables. Unlike food pantries, you can select the items you want to consume.
To take advantage of this food grocery program, you must apply to be a member.
Nancy shares, “To be a member, you have to be income qualified. So, if someone makes 200% above the federal poverty line or below, they’re able to shop with us. So, for instance, a family of four- that’s $53,000 a year or less- they can shop with us. And they just apply, they share their income qualifications, and they can come shop. We’re open Monday to Sunday.”
You can apply to be a member or find out more at UPOrlando.
