Little Ram Pantry launches at VCU School of Pharmacy
This week, VCU School of Pharmacy launched its own location of the Little Ram Pantry to serve members of the community facing food insecurity.
VCU’s Ram Pantry was created to implement innovative approaches to food security and community health. The program has been a huge success across the Monroe Park Campus, Dean K.C. Ogbonna, Pharm.D., M.S.H.A., shared in a message with the school community announcing the new installment of the pantry. Our new pantry, he said, extends their reach here on the MCV Campus to address unmet needs within our community.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines food insecurity as “limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods, or a limited or uncertain ability to acquire acceptable foods in socially acceptable ways.” Here at VCU, it is a situation in which a student lacks access to enough nutritious food for a healthy, active life. It can be linked to negative student outcomes in physical and mental health, financial and housing insecurity and educational attainment.
As of Tuesday, the VCU School of Pharmacy Little Ram Pantry is open and here to meet community members’ needs. Any members of the School of Pharmacy community who are facing food insecurity are encouraged to visit the Smith Building lobby and take as much food as needed. Donations are welcome to help keep this pantry stocked (Ram Pantry’s most needed items).
Ogbonna extended his gratitude to the members of the community who led the charge to bring the Little Ram Pantry to the school.
“I would be remiss if I did not take this opportunity to thank Janet Wooten. It is through her efforts that this project came to fruition,” Ogbonna said. “I would also like to thank Scott Crenshaw, Chris Garland and Anna Nole for their effort and support in stocking the pantry.”
🐏 VCU School of Pharmacy Little Ram Pantry 🐏
Pantry location: Robert Blackwell Smith Building lobby (kitchenette & vending machine area)
Address: 410 N. 12th Street Richmond, VA 23298
Hours of Operation: 24 Hours/7 Days a week
Who can use the pantry: All students, faculty and staff