WESTFIELD – Westfield State University has officially opened Common Goods, a food pantry serving Westfield State University students, faculty, and staff who may be experiencing hunger and are struggling to make ends meet.
“Through Common Goods, we are striving to alleviate food insecurity for the Westfield State community,” said Westfield State President Dr. Ramon S. Torrecilha. “Common Goods provides a safe and welcoming space in which a variety of food items and basic necessities will be distributed at no cost.”
Food insecurity is an increasing problem on college campuses, both locally and nationally. Common Goods was initiated by volunteers from the Albert and Amelia Ferst Interfaith Center in response to President Obama’s Interfaith and Community Service Challenge to address the issue of hunger.
Westfield State’s neighbor, the Second Congregational Church, houses the pantry.
Common Goods invites the support of the campus and greater Westfield community to sustain the operation of the pantry. Community members are encouraged to make a non-perishable food item donation to help Common Goods get off to a strong start. Bins for collecting goods are located across campus in the Horace Mann Center (Main Lobby), Wilson Hall (Commuter’s Common Area), Parenzo Hall (near TRiO, first floor), Ely Campus Center (Campus Center Service Window and Diversity/Inclusion Offices), and the Albert and Amelia Ferst Interfaith Center.
The Westfield State Alumni Association Executive Council has made the food pantry a priority. Through their new “Feed an Owl” program, they have collected food and donated funds to support the effort.
The food pantry will be open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Common Goods was created through the collaborative effort with members of the Interfaith Council, TRiO Student Support Services Program, Fostering Student Success Initiative, and the Westfield State Foundation.
