My Experience With the Trojan Food Pantry
by Noah Etoka
Food insecurity is a prevalent issue across the United States, and one demographic experiencing it at a rate higher than the national average are college students. Roughly 30% of this population has faced uncertainty over their next meal at least once during their college career. USC is not exempt from these statistics.
I’ve struggled with food insecurity as a student, and at first I wasn’t sure where I could go for help. The good news is that the USC community is rich in resources, while the bad news is that there’s so many, it’s hard to keep track of them all. But after hearing about the Trojan Food Pantry, I now know that one of the first places to turn to is USC Student Basic Needs. Their website directly provides links to services that help with food, housing, and financial insecurity. It also offers a thorough guide with a list of resources available on campus/around the community, and information on how to access them. Basic Needs manages the Trojan Food Pantry, which is available to any current student facing food insecurity who is not enrolled in a meal plan. It has existed since 2018, but the latest variation is an upgrade, complete with a new location.
Going to a food pantry can be a difficult experience for some. Now that I’ve visited it a few times, I’m here to let you know that it doesn’t have to be! In all honesty, the hardest part of the process for me was getting around to filling out the intake form. The form itself is short and simple, and once completed, take a screenshot and have it ready for your first trip to the Trojan Food Pantry. Also, bring an empty reusable bag with you. I can walk you through my experience so that you know what to expect before going.
How To Get There:
The Trojan Food Pantry is in King Hall (KOH), Suite 103, next to the new location of the USC Pharmacy. You may not have been to King Hall before, but it isn’t too hard to find. If you enter campus at the McClintock entrance, walk past the McClintock Theatre until you see Webb Tower (it’s tall, tan, and white, can’t miss it). Right after you pass the tower, turn to your right. There’s a wide pathway between Webb and The Lyon Center that leads further down to the Jefferson Boulevard Parking Structure and Engemann Student Health Center. Turn right onto the pathway and walk until you see steps on the right side of the path leading up to some black doors. Take the steps leading to the entrance of King Hall (they should be on your left, not the white doors to Webb). Nearby there should be a sign above that says USC Pharmacy. Enter King Hall. Once inside, walk straight ahead (not up the stairs) until right before you enter the pharmacy. There should be two large doors on your left that say USC Student Basic Needs. Sometimes there is a line, especially if it’s around lunchtime. However the whole process is pretty streamlined, so the wait time usually isn’t too long. You’ve reached the food pantry.
At Your First Visit:
During your first time at the pantry, you’ll show your screenshot to ensure that you finished the intake form. The volunteer at the desk will take down your information and check you in. They’ll also put a sticker on your USCID to show that you’ve completed the form and have already visited the pantry at least once that semester. After you’ve received that sticker, checking in at your next visits will be quicker.
Once you’re checked in, you’ll get to look through the different sections. Volunteers will guide you through the whole process, letting you know which foods are available and how many items you can choose. There’s cereal, dried & canned goods, fruits, veggies, snacks, and more options. Eventually you start to memorize which things are where and how many of them you can pick. Once you’ve made it through all the shelves, you’re done! The process doesn’t take longer than around 15 minutes.
So, Should I Go?
Throughout all of my visits, what has stuck with me is the ease and friendliness I’ve experienced. The volunteers and people who work with the Trojan Food Pantry are so kind. They are there to assist you, and understand that what they’re doing makes a difference in people’s lives. This attitude really helps if you’re a student who is unsure about going to the food pantry.
The thing is, the problems college students face often go overlooked, but USC has resources to help people who might slip through the cracks. I think the re-establishment of the Trojan Food Pantry, with its own large and dedicated space, is the start of a beautiful thing here at our school. It increases awareness of a key issue the community faces and shows that action can be taken towards solving it. If you feel like it would benefit you, I recommend visiting USC Basic Needs online (at their website or Instagram) and filling out the intake form for the Trojan Food Pantry there. It’s made a difference in my life, and I hope it can make a difference for others who need it too.
