Ivy Tech Community College Lafayette has expanded the capacity of its Wolf Pack Pantry to better support students and employees facing food insecurity, following a generous donation of two refrigerator/freezer units from Whirlpool Corporation. The added cold-storage space will allow the Wolf Pack Pantry to increase access to fresh, refrigerated, and frozen items—an important step in addressing rising basic needs among the campus community.
The donation was made in collaboration with Swipe Out Hunger, a national nonprofit dedicated to ending student hunger through campus-based solutions. This partnership comes at a critical time, as pantry usage has climbed dramatically over the past year. In October 2024, the pantry was accessed 64 times; this October, that number rose to 312—nearly a fivefold increase in one year. The growth reflects the expanding need for food and household support among college individuals across the region.
“Access to healthy food is foundational to a student’s ability to learn, persist, and succeed,” said Aaron Baute, Chancellor of Ivy Tech Lafayette. “We are committed to removing barriers to success, and ensuring our students and employees have their basic needs met is an essential part of that mission. Expanding the Wolf Pack Pantry allows us to better support those who need it most.”
With the new units, the Wolf Pack Pantry can now offer dairy products, frozen meals, and other nutritious options not previously available. Many students rely on the pantry for reliable access to meals between classes, during work hours, or to bridge short-term financial gaps.
This enhancement to the Wolf Pack Pantry will make a meaningful difference for our students and employees. We are seeing more individuals reach out for basic needs support, and expanding what we are able to offer helps us provide care with dignity while supporting the overall well-being of our campus community.
– Stephanie Smith, Director of Disability Support Services and Mental Health
Community Encouraged to Support Wolf Pack Pantry
The community is invited to help stock the Wolf Pack Pantry ahead of the holidays through two ongoing efforts this month:
Alpha’s Day of Thanks – November 18: Students, faculty, staff, and community members attending Ivy Tech’s campus registration and engagement event are encouraged to bring pantry donations to support fellow members of the Wolf Pack.
Phi Theta Kappa Food Drive – Through November 30: Ivy Tech’s student honor society is hosting a campus-wide food drive collecting nonperishable items in donation boxes located throughout campus.
Donations are welcome year-round and directly support students and employees on the Lafayette campus.
Most-Needed Donation Items
· Easy-prep meals such as cup noodles, mac & cheese cups, oatmeal cups, and tuna or chicken salad kits
· High-protein snacks like tuna packets, granola or protein bars, beef jerky, and trail-mix packs
· Quick grab-and-go items including cheese or peanut-butter crackers, hummus snack packs, and lunch kits (meat, cheese & crackers)
· Single-serve peanut-butter or jelly packets, bottled water, and shelf-stable beverages
· Fresh items such as apples, bananas, or carrots when available
Monetary contributions may also be made through the Ivy Tech Foundation, with funds designated to support Wolf Pack Pantry at the Lafayette campus.
About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana's largest public postsecondary institution and the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, long- and short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns with the needs of the community. The College provides a seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor's degree.
