October 19, 2016

Media Advisory -- Food Pantry Ribbon Cutting

The ribbon cutting for Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Saluki Food Pantry is set for 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 21, showcasing the new facility during Homecoming week festivities.

Interim Chancellor Brad Colwell and other SIU officials will be cutting the ribbon.

Reporters, photographers and news crews are welcome to cover the event. The easiest way to access the pantry is by taking the elevators or stairs near Starbucks to the lower level of the Student Center.

The pantry opened at the beginning of the fall semester. Any student enrolled at SIU, when presenting a student ID, may visit once a month to get free food items and essential toiletries to help meet their needs. Already more than 300 students and their family members have received assistance through the pantry.

Donations for the food pantry will be accepted at the event as well. Any type of canned or packaged food items that do not need refrigeration, along with personal hygiene and toiletry items of all kinds, are welcome.

Contributions are always accepted during hours of operation at the Saluki Food Pantry, at the Innovation and Sustainability Hub on the first floor of the Student Center and at the Student Center Administration Office on the second floor. Monetary donations can be made through the food pantry website. Officials say campus and community support is vital to assure the pantry meets student needs.

For more information about the Saluki Food Pantry or the ribbon cutting, visit the website at www.studentcenter.siu.edu/foodpantry. Or, call 618/453-3760 or email foodpantry@siu.edu