St. Cloud State University’s Huskies Food Pantry has officially been recognized as a SuperShelf, a statewide designation awarded to food shelves that meet the highest standards for health, choice, respect and welcoming environments for all who visit.
The Huskies Food Pantry is only the second campus food pantry in Minnesota to earn the SuperShelf designation, after North Hennepin Community College.
“The SuperShelf designation reflects months of collaboration, evaluation and improvements to ensure that every student who shops the pantry feels supported, respected and valued,” said Dr. Rebecca Peine, interim dean of students. “The Huskies Food Pantry team thanks our campus partners and community members who helped make this achievement possible.”
SuperShelf, a partnership supported by the University of Minnesota Extension and other Minnesota-based organizations, transforms food shelves into welcoming, respectful and client-centered spaces where individuals can select nutritious foods that meet their needs and preferences.
Becoming a SuperShelf involves a commitment to best practices in layout, nutrition focus, cultural inclusivity and improving the overall client experience. The Huskies Food Pantry follows the highest standards for pantry service, including a warm, respectful and stigma-free environment, a variety of healthy, culturally responsive foods and a grocery-store–style layout that promotes choice and dignity.
About 42 percent of SCSU students face food insecurity. During the academic year, there has been 7,287 total student visits and over 108,900 pounds of food distributed.
“This achievement highlights our strong commitment to supporting student well-being, improving access to basic needs and ensuring every Husky feels valued, supported and respected when seeking help,” Peine added.
The Huskies Food Pantry, located in Miller Center Room 135, will celebrate the achievement from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on April 23 with a SuperShelf Showcase.
Attendees can tour the pantry and learn more about the resources and support available on campus to help students meet their basic needs. Light refreshments will be provided, and visitors are encouraged to bring a shelf-stable food item to donate during the event.
