SNAC logo.

For college students, food is an issue; many have trouble budgeting the necessary expenses for their meals.  However, Utah State University offers a program specifically for college students: the Student Nutrition Access Center (SNAC). Statistics show that 179 men and 115 women, only about 2.4% of university students, take advantage of this resource (2), but it proves to be sustainable and worthwhile for the campus community.

A group of dedicated college students started the pantry in 2011. In the years since its beginning, it has only grown in success. Chandra Marsh, student director of SNAC, described that the pantry has been very successful in its efforts- this year more than ever before. “We’ve had five times more visits in 2015 than 2014. We are becoming more sustainable.” (3)

SNAC location: TSC 333.

The SNAC Pantry is open Tuesday through Thursday, based entirely on volunteer work. It is located directly on the Utah State University campus; Taggart Student Center room 333.

To visit the SNAC pantry, one should note:

• You must be a Utah State University student
• You must not have any dependents (those with children are referred to the Cache Community Food Pantry where they can receive a wider variety of services)
• Visits are limited to once a week

Eligibility is a self-determined basis. It is up to the student, therefore "on their honor."

Overview of resources at SNAC.

Foods available at SNAC.

SNAC collects donations from seven different cafés around campus, and runs solely off of volunteer work. ”Volunteers assist with gathering food from campus cafés, staffing the pantry during the week, and prepping food for local organizations to pick up.” (1) The program has also established a partnership with the Cache Community Food Pantry; about once a week, they are able to pick up canned goods, peanut butter, and related foods you wouldn’t find at a university café for the pantry.

The pantry offers all varieties of food, such as bread, rolls, pastries, fruit, pre-made sandwiches, cans, and boxed foods. Bread and fresh fruit tend to be the most popular food items. The program is sustainable; meaning specifically that it doesn’t waste any food. Chandra explained: “Nothing is thrown away. Whatever isn’t taken by students is picked up by organizations around the community. These include places like the Public School Partnership, The Family Place, CAPSA, Cache Community Food Pantry, and Cache High" (3).