Sandy’s Pantry is a local food pantry that caters to Vincennes University students.
The pantry was launched in 2014 by the university in partnership with St. John’s United Church of Christ after a former pastor took note of several students who were not able to afford food and other everyday items.
The pastor took her idea of a food pantry to VU officials, her hope to meet the needs of all students.
The current coordinators of Sandy’s Pantry are Brenda and Bryan Fillingim.
Sandy’s Pantry offers students at VU access to non-perishable food and hygiene products. The food pantry is open on select Tuesdays and Thursdays for four weeks throughout each semester.
Upcoming dates for the food pantry are Oct. 3, Oct. 5, Oct. 31., Nov. 28, and Nov. 30.
The pantry will be open for students from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on those days and is located at St. John’s United Church of Christ, 606 N. Fifth St., which is a five-block walk from the VU campus.
All students need to be eligible for the pantry is to present a student ID, but they can only collect items once a month.
Students are allowed 25 food items and eight personal hygiene items per visit to Sandy’s Pantry, but this can also vary depending on students’ needs.
Brenda Fillingim said students can get what they need and want “without judgment.”
If a student is not able to make it to the food pantry during its listed times, they can also get in contact with the church to set up a time that works better for them, Fillingim said.
She also said they are open to making deliveries, if necessary.
Sandy’s Pantry is supported through Vincennes University food drives, to which anyone can donate. The church’s Benevolence and Outreach Committee also works to collect donations.
Fillingim said she appreciates all the help that is given to the food pantry.
The pantry tries to lean towards healthier food options for students, but they also offer snacks as well. Most non-perishable items are canned, but they do offer free can openers, she said.
Common hygiene products available include toilet paper, deodorant, shampoo, soap, and laundry detergent.
The pantry also takes student suggestions on what to buy in case a student has allergies or prefers something different.
Fillingim, with a smile on her face, said she very much enjoys helping students who are in need and says it feels “very rewarding to make connections” with them and see the appreciation they have for the pantry.
For more information, contact Sandy’s Pantry at 812-888-2720.
