UMass-Boston opens food pantry to serve students

BOSTON (AP) -- The University of Massachusetts-Boston has announced plans to open an on-campus food pantry, not as part of a student service project, but to feed hungry students having trouble making ends meet.

The pantry is being launched by the college's Office of Urban and Off-Campus Support Services Program, which serves about 70 students. Program director Shirley Fan-Chan says nearly half are either homeless or on the verge of homelessness.

Fan-Chan said the pantry may be the first of its kind in Massachusetts.

She told The Boston Globe students don't quality for food stamps because they are still considered dependent on their parents, and because they attend classes or work during the day, they are unable to visit conventional pantries.

Most of the donations are from UMass-Boston faculty and staff.