Paws’ Pantry is back open after closing briefly to make a few logistical changes.

New this semester, appointments must be made online, 24 hours in advance. Each appointment will allow 15 minutes for shopping. With the new scheduling system, shoppers can plan ahead for times that are convenient to their schedules, avoid long waits in line; it will also create a more efficient entrance and exiting process overall. Pantry volunteers will also be able to provide a more individualized customer service experience.

Fall hours are back in effect, and the pantry is open three days per week:

• Tuesdays from 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. (students only).
• Wednesdays from 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. (students only).
• Thursdays from noon and 6 p.m. (faculty, staff and students).

The staff in the Office of Student Advocacy and Support want to remind the campus community that Paws’ Pantry is for those who are experiencing food insecurity, defined as “the limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods, or limited or uncertain ability to acquire acceptable foods in socially acceptable ways.” The office is working diligently to ensure processes are in place to give those who are most in need the best opportunity to shop.

“We believe that there may be some misunderstanding about the purpose of the pantry, and we hope that streamlining our processes for better efficiency will help those who really do need this as a resource feel more welcome and comfortable to shop when they arrive,” said Tytishia Davis, assistant dean of students and director of student advocacy and support.

Students facing food insecurity are encouraged to use Paws’ Pantry and other resources, such as Paws’ Closet and student advocacy and support. Faculty, staff or peers who suspect a student may need help can submit an online referral.

Supporters are already stepping up to help the pantry as the new academic year gets underway.

“We want to thank our campus and local community for the recent outpouring of support,” Davis said. “We now have more Paws’ Shelf sponsors than before and a recent increase in donations.”

Davis also reassures supporters that the pantry’s temporary closure was not due to a lack of donations.

“The reason for the temporary closing was to give the staff more time to adequately prepare for the increased number of shoppers and for the return to fall operating hours,” she said. “We just had to implement a new system of operations before reopening the pantry doors.”

There are many ways to get involved with Paws’ Pantry. Volunteers especially are needed right now. Questions about helping or using the pantry can be sent to jagsfood@iupui.edu.

Tia Broz is a communications consultant with IU Studios.