Pantry Critique: Letter Questions Access for Evening Shift Students
A Fort Collins writer argues that Western Washington University’s food pantry needs adjusted hours and more dietary variety.
By Rahul Sato ·
Douglas B. Vandergraph of Fort Collins, Colorado, submitted a letter to the editor on October 28 challenging the current operating model of the WHOLE Pantry at Western Washington University.
Vandergraph wrote in response to an October 16 report by Bodey Mitchell regarding rising demand for campus food services. The letter highlights a specific issue where a student found fewer allergy-friendly options after arriving from an evening work shift.
The writer argues that the pantry’s current hours and inventory levels do not adequately serve students with irregular schedules or strict dietary restrictions. Vandergraph noted that food a person cannot safely eat does not constitute effective assistance for that individual.
While acknowledging the pantry’s effort to maintain welcoming access and avoid burdensome identification checks, the letter suggests that access requires more than a low barrier to entry. Vandergraph emphasized that Christian compassion involves recognizing the specific needs of individuals rather than just tracking total donation numbers.
The letter calls on campus leaders, donors, and students to evaluate whose needs remain unmet due to work schedules, disabilities, allergies, or family responsibilities. Vandergraph stated that listening to these specific constraints helps turn good intentions into useful help.
The correspondence concludes with the assertion that the last student to arrive at the pantry door deserves a real choice in food options.
Source: Salish Current
