In late January, representatives from the Dartmouth Student Government convened with Dartmouth Dining to address the recent relocation of the campus food pantry. The pantry, which provides refrigerated and non-perishable food items, moved from the basement of Dick’s House to Kellogg Hall in December due to fire safety regulations identified in September. This move has sparked discussions about accessibility and communication within the student body.
A Closer Look at the Pantry Relocation
In the crisp winter days of early 2023, a significant change occurred on Dartmouth's campus as the food pantry, previously situated in an emergency staircase of Dick’s House, was relocated to Kellogg Hall. Established in 2018 by Dominique Walton, the pantry initially aimed to support students facing food insecurity. Over the years, it has evolved into a resource for all students, promoting inclusivity and accessibility in campus dining. Since its inception, the pantry has relied on staff donations and later received substantial funding from the Student Government and Dartmouth Dining.
The relocation decision came after discovering that the pantry’s original location did not comply with fire safety codes. Kellogg Hall, located on the ground floor of the Geisel School of Medicine, was chosen as the new site. While this move aimed to ensure compliance with safety regulations, it has raised concerns among students about its accessibility. Many found the new location less familiar and harder to reach, especially during harsh winter conditions. Students like Lily Easter and Alejandra Carrasco Alayo expressed frustration over the lack of clear communication regarding the move, noting that many students were unaware of the change until overhearing conversations or struggling to locate Kellogg Hall.
Despite these challenges, efforts are underway to improve awareness and access. Dartmouth Dining now manages the pantry’s funding and refreshes its stock daily. The pantry remains open 24/7, accessible with a Dartmouth ID, ensuring continuous support for students who rely on it.
From a reporter's perspective, this situation highlights the importance of transparent communication and strategic planning in institutional changes. While the relocation addresses safety concerns, it underscores the need for better outreach to maintain the pantry’s accessibility and utility for all students. It serves as a reminder that even well-intentioned decisions can have unintended consequences if not carefully communicated and implemented.