As freshmen are getting settled into their first week of college they may forget a few essential items. Immersing into college life, new professors, homework on the first day and finding their books can be daunting to freshmen. They might end up forgetting something as essential as taking time and money to buy food. Universities across the country have realized this trend in students and have developed food pantries to feed their students.

Marshall University opened up its own food pantry in February 2014. Elizabeth Sheets, overseer of the pantry, said they have had a lot of positive feedback and see many of the same faces come through for food.

Sheets recognizes another problem that a lot of students don’t have support of families.

Many students work jobs, worry about paying tuition and bills and do not usually have much money left over.

“Food is sometimes the last thing they think about,” Sheets said.

Donations are always needed but Sheets said they have noticed specific items students tend to want.

“We need box cereals, canned chicken, dry spaghetti, canned fruit, jelly, rice and crackers,” Sheets said.

All non-perishable items are taken for donations and can be made at rooms 2W3 and BW3 in the Memorial Student Center.

Abi Black can be contacted at [email protected].