Any member of the ETSU community experiencing food insecurity during these difficult times can seek resources at Bucky’s Food Pantry.
The pantry has staples such as canned vegetables, fruit and meat, hot cold and cereal, Ramen noodles, macaroni and cheese and more. Currently, the pantry has frozen fish filets and fresh eggs in addition to its usual offerings.
Kristi Smith, Bucky’s Food Pantry treasurer and co-director, wants the ETSU community to know there is no shame in seeking help at anytime, especially during a global crisis.
“Don’t let pride overtake you,” she said. “If you need help, come and ask for it. … At this point in time, with everything that’s going on in the world, don’t be ashamed. If you have a need, someone will be there to help you. And, you know, we’re there.”
An application is available on the Bucky’s Food Pantry website. It is two pages, and it allows people to list any food allergies or special dietary restrictions they may have. People can also list any specific items or needs of which they need assistance getting.
“If they need help with their light bills, or they need help with other things in their life – if they put that in there – we will do whatever we can to find them that assistance,” Smith said.
The application is also available at the pantry for those unable to apply online.
Amounts of food given by the pantry are dependent on the number of people in the applicant’s household, so people will be given more food if they have family members or roommates in need at their home. People can pick up food once a week at this time, but they can reach out to Bucky’s Food Pantry at any time by calling 423-439-2825 if additional resources are needed.
Bucky’s Food Pantry is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to noon. However, if ETSU community members cannot come to the pantry during those times, accommodations can be made.
The food pantry is located at 325 Treasure Lane. For those familiar with campus, it is on the right hand corner of the Central Receiving warehouse. This is at the back of the recycling center and above Buccaneer Ridge.
Bucky’s Food Pantry is available for students, faculty, staff and alumni of ETSU. A university E-number is needed to request food, but Smith said alumni without an ID card can still be verified for the pantry.
While COVID-19 has made this time vital for food resources, there has not been a drastic increase in requests, according to Smith.
“Surprisingly, the last couple of weeks, our numbers have really maintained a steady flow,” she said. “We’ve not seen an influx in numbers, and I think a lot of that has to do with a lot of students have gone home. But for us to be there, to have this service for our students, is just amazing.”
As of last week, there were about 520 students remaining on campus, according to Smith.
The campus dining hall remains open for students in need of food. Modified hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4:30 to 6 p.m. every day. More information is available on ETSU Dining’s Facebook page.
One Acre Café downtown is also offering a free meal for take out Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The restaurant is located at 603 W. Walnut St. in Johnson City.
