Springfield, Mo., October 11, 2023 – In an effort to address food insecurity on campus, Drury University’s Student Government Association (SGA), Housing and Residence Life and Fresh Ideas Food Service Management have collaborated to pilot the Panther Swipes initiative. This program aims to assist commuter and residential students struggling to afford meals or who have depleted their meal allowances.
The Panther Swipes program, launched on September 19, 2023, allows eligible students to discreetly request a meal swipe at the Commons cashier. To participate, students simply need to inform the cashier that they would like to use a “Panther Swipe,” and they will be provided with a meal.
“Survey data from the Missouri Assessment of College Health Behaviors highlighted that there was a need among our students,” said Dr. Ethan Sykes, Director of Housing and Residential Programs. “When we approached SGA with the idea, they embraced it wholeheartedly, providing the necessary funding to launch the initiative. We are really excited to offer this support to our students and relieve some of their burden.”
Drury students can also donate their unused swipes to the program for other students to utilize. Since its inception, the Panther Swipes initiative has provided more than 50 meals to Drury students. The program operates anonymously to protect the privacy and dignity of students and prevent barriers to access.
Jeremiah Jones, President of the Drury University Student Government Association says SGA’s decision to take up the program was an easy one and created excitement among student government. “We’re committed to enhancing the student experience, and sometimes, that means ensuring equal access to essential resources. Panther Swipes symbolizes the support network within our community. When we identify a problem, we come together to solve it – that’s the spirit of our university.”
This semester, Panther Swipes will continue to be available until funds are exhausted, following which the university will evaluate its impact and make any necessary adjustments. Other initiatives to increase access are currently being considered.
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Media Contact: Jasmine Cooper, Executive Director of University Communications and Media Relations, Office: (417) 873-7390, Email: JCooper020@drury.edu
