FARMINGTON — The University of Maine at Farmington’s Thrifty Beaver food pantry recently received multiple donations to help students experiencing food insecurity.

According to the university, recent donors include the University Credit Union, Franklin Savings Bank and Swipe Out Hunger, a national nonprofit affiliated with Sodexo food services.

The Thrifty Beaver, a student-run food pantry and clothing exchange, was established in 2016 by students Catherine Dufault and Lauren Crosby. The pantry provides free access to donated food, kitchen supplies, secondhand clothing, school supplies, textbooks and personal hygiene items to members of the campus community.

Student use of the pantry fluctuates throughout the semester. On average, about 30 students visit the Thrifty Beaver each week.

College food pantries have become an increasingly important resource nationwide, with roughly 800 operating on campuses across the United States as demand continues to grow.

The University Credit Union has supported the UMF pantry for nearly a decade through its Ending Hunger campaign, including a recent $750 donation. Since 2017, the credit union has contributed $17,469 to the Thrifty Beaver.

“The Farmington UCU branch is proud to give back to our neighbors at the UMF Thrifty Beaver with the Ending Hunger Campaign, continuing the support of our longstanding partnership with the campus,” Carly Fletcher, assistant branch manager, said.

Franklin Savings Bank also recently donated $2,000 to support the pantry’s efforts.

Funds from the donations will be used to stock the pantry’s shelves and freezer with shelf-stable, nonperishable and frozen food.

Student workers have reported a noticeable increase in demand this academic year. One student employee noted that in three years of working at the Thrifty Beaver, he has never seen the level of use experienced this year. Another attributed the increase in visitors in part to the pantry’s expanded range of available food items.

Evryst Bryant, a senior majoring in psychology from Chester, Illinois, serves as the student manager for the pantry, overseeing student workers. Bryant began volunteering several summers ago to help keep the pantry open during the summer.

“As a public Maine university, UMF offers a quality education at an affordable price, but that means that many of our students are Pell (grant) eligible and have financial need,” Bryant said. “The Thrifty Beaver provides that supplemental food relief that helps feed students and have them feel cared about and be successful.”

In addition to food, many students rely on the pantry for access to clothing and personal care items. Staff noted a significant increase this year in the need for personal hygiene supplies, including toothpaste, deodorant, hair care products and body lotion, as well as school supplies such as notebooks and pens. Ready-to-make meals and snacks, including ramen noodles, Pop Tarts and frozen meals, remain among the most requested food items.

Additional support came through a $4,000 grant from Sodexo’s Swipe Out Hunger program, awarded to Kirsten Swan, director of Student Leadership and Service, and Bryant Swan.

The grant will support expanded access and services, including gluten-free and vegan food options, food scholarship cards for use at local grocers and farmers markets, wheelchair-accessible raised garden beds, improved storage space, and an additional student worker.

“Working with the campus food pantry makes you aware of how some students have to struggle with food insecurity,” Kirsten Swan said. “We are so fortunate in Farmington to have such a supportive campus and local communities who care about our students and want to provide them with affordable nutritious food.”

Community members wishing to continue supporting the Thrifty Beaver may donate shelf-stable food, personal care items or school supplies. A donation drop box is outside the pantry in the lower level of the UMF Fusion Building at 117 South St. The pantry is open 4-7 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Those interested in coordinating donations may also contact Swan, who is also food security liaison for the University of Maine System, at [email protected].