University of Nevada officials say requests from food insecure students have doubled during the pandemic. They're preparing for more requests in coming weeks.

"With all of our space being taken up, we are going to be adding another industrial size fridge and freezer to our service to help with the demand. We're also expanding to another storage room," said University of Nevada, Reno Center For Student Engagement Coordinator KaPreace Young.

There seems to be a lot on University of Nevada, Reno's Pack Provisions shelves and the program received a cares grant from the city of Reno.

But is it enough to meet demand. University officials say requests from food insecure students have increased from 1,200 last year to 2,400 during the pandemic.

They expect another increase, when the University goes completely online at the end of the month. "We're expecting those numbers are going to double again this year," said Young.

The University is adding not just storage, but it's also added services.

New this year are a grocery fund that direct deposits $40 into students' accounts every two weeks. There is also a pick-up and delivery service.

University of Nevada, Reno student Mauricia Feaster is one of those making the most of the program. "I'm still a broke college student, but I'm even more broke now. Just hearing about this place, and knowing they can provide help for me is very reassuring," said Feaster.

Food provided by Pack Provisions helps her make it through her week as a student who is working two jobs. "We get things from dairy products to frozen meals to some perishables," said Young.

The delivery part of the program also helps with the fight against COVID. "We'll leave it at their front door or at the gate of an apartment, so they know there is no direct contact," said Young.

Other options for student include WINCO gift cards and a program that allows students to use donated food swipes.

The program is starting a "Giving Tuesday" fundraising campaign to help pay for the rising cost of the increase in requests.

The campaign runs from tomorrow through the end of the year.

Link: Giving Tuesday Pack Provisions 

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