Big Blue Snack Pantry Provides Students with Healthy Snacks Before Classes and Exams
August 31, 2018
By Noell Saunders
Old Dominion University's Strome College of Business is going the extra mile to give students access to wholesome food to help them maintain focus during classes and exams.
The college recently opened the Big Blue Snack Pantry, which offers healthy snacks and non-perishable foods such as KIND bars, granola bars, peanut butter crackers and Gatorade. It's open and accessible to students at no cost. The pantry is in the Strome College of Business undergraduate advising office in room 1011 on the first floor of Constant Hall. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Connie Merriman, associate dean for undergraduate programs in the Strome College of Business, said college leaders started the pantry after noticing that some students miss meals due to lack of time or resources.
"We have a lot of nontraditional students with extremely demanding schedules and responsibilities that may result in them not eating regularly," Merriman said. "Some are trying to get their children in school and they just don't have time to eat anything. We just want to help our students stay healthy physically so they can succeed in the classroom."
The pantry started in the spring and is part of the Strome GO PRO Initiative, a student-development program that involves co-curricular activities to help students gain core skills necessary to successfully compete for jobs and internships.
If you would like to donate or have questions about the pantry, contact Merriman at cmerrima@odu.edu.
