By Bean Gast, Contributing Writer
Established in 2016 by Professor Annie Gray along with Americorps Vista and student volunteers, the Pellissippi Pantry continues to serve the college community out of the McWherter building on Hardin Valley’s campus. Since its inception, the pantry has expanded to the Blount Campus and the staff hopes to expand to Strawberry Plains Campus this year.
Although the Pellissippi Pantry may be perceived to be a small scale operation, it contributes to the bigger picture of food security in the area. Historically, low-income communities have been intentionally denied access to fresh and nutritious foods, a tactic to systemically oppress minority groups. This is referred to as food apartheid, an issue that can prevent students from achieving their goals academically or even attending school.
Student Advocacy and Care Specialist and current head of the Pantry, Sandra Davis Bullis says, “There’s just been lots of studies that show that when you’re hungry, you cannot study. But not only that, when someone comes to the pantry to get groceries, it opens the door. Because we build a relationship with our shoppers, they open up to us.”
The number of participants using the pantry has exponentially increased over the years, partially due to availability of information and accessibility. Though, the increase of grocery prices and inflation in recent years have most likely influenced the influx of participants. The recent funding cuts made by the Trump Administration to SNAP benefits (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) may result in an increase of participants as well.
How It Works
Unlike most food pantries in Knoxville, the Pellissippi pantry is neither religion-based nor income-based. The pantry is accessible to students, staff, and faculty members; everyone is automatically qualified to use the pantry after completing the registration form. The form is located on MyPellissippi under Student (or Faculty) Forms in the Student Care and Advocacy category.
Based on the number of people in your household, points are assigned to you. The points are renewed each month and do not carry over from month to month; they can’t be transferred or exchanged with other participants. Since most pantry items are worth 1 to 2 points, several items can be obtained. The pantry also has an online software called Pantry Soft where students can manually request items and submit a shopping list.
Bullis, says, “We have volunteers who come in on the Hardin Valley Campus and pack those bags for Magnolia and Strawberry Plains Campus and then we deliver to them every other week.”
Both pantries open at 9 a.m. and close at 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday and have a variety of foods including gluten free options, microwavable meals, and meals that can be eaten or prepared without access to a kitchen.
The Blount County Pantry
This pantry is located in the main building in BL 108. It’s set up similar to a kitchen with cabinets labeled in Spanish and English along with a visual with their contents. This set up allows for easy access to items and a comfortability that we typically feel at home. Although perishable items are not available, items like protein bars and Poptarts are available for students to grab on their way to class.
The Hardin Valley Pantry
This pantry is located up the hill, beside the Student Recreation Center in Portable D. It’s set up similar to a grocery store with shelving and separate aisles, including canned goods, pasta, cereal, dried beans, condiments, hygiene products, school supplies, etc. There is also access to a microwave, toaster, and can opener. Produce grown at the Pellissippi Garden is available in addition to other perishable items like fresh bread.
How to Get Involved
As tariffs are plaguing our economy and prices continue to rise, food injustice becomes rampant. Volunteering and speaking with community members who are victims of food apartheid is a substantial way to combat the system. Volunteer opportunities are available at both the pantry and the garden. In order to volunteer, a Statement of Understanding must be filled out, located under Student Forms on MyPellissippi.
