An Alabama A&M University student decided to turn his on-campus dorm room into the headquarters of his donation-based food pantry.
Justin Franks said he noticed there were some students that said they were going to bed hungry. “So, I thought about it and said, ‘What can I give back to my community?'”
So with a mere $45, Franks set out to turn a section of his dorm room into a food pantry.
He said, “I started with pretty much just noodles and Capri Suns and I had a few household products like tissues and water.”
He put the items on bookshelves and soon it became packed with fruit juices, soups, canned food items, chips and instant noodles.
Franks posted his venture on Facebook, and the story has since been shared hundreds of times.
“I am pleased to announce that I have started a food pantry in Foster complex for all students in residential life and housing. The purpose of this initiative is to ensure all students have food. Students that don’t have money or food to eat will be able to get food free of charge. This is for all on-campus residence of Alabama A&M University.”
So far, Franks has helped nearly 100 students. Those in need are able to get up to three items twice a week.
Franks said, “To me, it just makes me feel like I’m blessing someone. I’m a religious person and I feel like I can bless a student.”
Franks is already training someone else to make sure the pantry can continue long after he’s graduated.