The Bulldog Pantry will celebrate the memory of one its founders and 17 years of providing free food to students and families in the community experiencing economic difficulties.
Distribution of food will take place in memory of Pastor Don Romsa, at the Lutheran Campus Ministry across the street from Fresno State on Saturday, Nov. 9 from 9-10:30 a.m.
Erica Bird, a community member, volunteers as a coordinator at the pantry, keeping track of finances, encouraging people to volunteer and planning events.
“Pastor Don Romsa passed away a little over a year ago from cancer so we’re honoring him,” Bird said. “We’re encouraging people to go out and do something and to join us in our efforts to celebrate.”
The Bulldog Pantry is a student-powered volunteer organization that serves around 400 families a month. It has remained open for 17 years despite COVID-19 and financial challenges.
It has provided the help families need to combat the rising cost of groceries nationwide.
Student volunteers encourage other interested students to volunteer at the pantry.
“I would recommend coming here and [volunteering],” said Avneet Kaler, a first year Fresno State business major. “I definitely think it’s an eye opener. You have to come in with a bit of an open mind and you’ll leave with an even more open mind. It just feels good to be here.”
Gagandeep Sahota, a first-year biology major at Fresno State said volunteering helps with overall personal mood as well.
“It’s a good opportunity to give back to the people who need it,” Sahota said. “Because you know people are going through a tough time. It just makes you feel really good. It puts you in a good mood for the rest of the day knowing that you’ve made an impact in other people’s lives.”
Lorna Ugale is a teacher from Central Unified School District at Justin Garza High School and the advisor of the Filipino-American Club. She brings her students to volunteer at the pantry.
“I love working with the students,” Ugale said. “I love giving them the opportunity to see what this is and take as much ownership and be as involved as they want to be in the process. I love being able to share my passion for helping people with more people.”
The Bulldog Pantry often gets confused with the Fresno State Student Cupboard. The Student Cupboard offers its services exclusively to students; however, the Bulldog Pantry offers it to anyone in need.
The pantry is not funded by Fresno State and is fully funded through donations, typically small one-time donations with some giving once a month or once a year.
Donations can be either monetary or physical food donations. Money can be donated on its website through online services like PayPal, while food is only taken in by appointment in person.
“It takes a small village to fund all of this on an ongoing basis,” Bird said. “It can be a little challenging and a little stressful at times.”
The pantry is open bi-monthly on Saturdays from 9-10:30 a.m. during regular school semesters and monthly during summer. Its schedule stays updated on its website.
“We’re here to feed people,” Bird said. “Part of our mission being to provide a space for students and young folks to experience what it is to give back to the community.”
