A Community Effort to Support Students Beyond the Classroom
Pacific Northwest University (PNWU) has officially opened the Dr. Michael and Kimberly Lawler Food Pantry. Located in a glowing glass room nestled near an open study space on the first floor of Delta Dental Equity Hall, the space reflects the Lawler’s tireless dedication to our students and campus community, supporting PNWU students by providing access to food and essential resources.
“Education is about so much more than curriculum and academic outcomes,” explained Dr. Kimberly Taylor, Associate Professor and Chief of Microbiology and one of the pantry’s founding members. “It is about supporting each other to individually succeed and flourish.”
The Dr. Michael and Kimberly Lawler Food Pantry, Dr. Taylor explained, is a cornerstone of that support.
“Everything we do relates back to a whole person approach to all in our campus community,” said Dr. Taylor. “Schedules can get busy and when resources are stretched, the food pantry is there helping our campus community by providing a place to stop by and pick up any needed items at the end of a busy day.”
A Community-Centered Initiative
The grand opening marks the culmination of a multi-year effort spearheaded by a collection of PNWU faculty and staff, including Dr. Julie Habecker, Professor and Chief of Pathology, who still recalls the heartfelt vision to assist students facing food insecurity that led to a three-shelf Rubbermaid cabinet, and ultimately, this new space.
“We know that many of our students juggle full academic loads, part-time jobs, and personal challenges,” said Dr. Habecker. “The pantry isn’t just about providing food — it’s about showing students that we care about them as people.”
A reflection of the collaborative spirit that defines PNWU, the pantry was made possible by generous donations, dedicated volunteer hours, and a team of PNWU faculty and staff rallying around the focused cause.
A Positive Partnership
The pantry is the result of PNWU faculty and staff efforts and reflects a strong partnership with local organizations. One of the pantry’s most vital collaborators is the Opportunities Industrialization Center (OIC), which provides 3,000 pieces of food each month through the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). Every other week, PNWU facilities staff transport these food items back to campus, ensuring the pantry remains well-stocked.
Additionally, the pantry has received a $3,000 grant from Swipe Out Hunger, a national nonprofit dedicated to alleviating hunger on college campuses. This grant will be used to expand the pantry’s offerings and ensure that more students are served. And a sweet cherry on top: Coca-Cola donated a refrigerator to keep fresh produce and perishable items available to students.
“Every donation, every partnership, helps us reach more students and make a bigger impact,” says Adam Story, PNWU’s Vice President of University Relations. “The food pantry has become a community effort, and we’re grateful for the support we’ve received.”
The Power of Food Security on Campus
While the Dr. Michael and Kimberly Lawler Food Pantry serves approximately 300 students each month, it is important to note that the pantry is open to all students across campus, including those from Washington State University (WSU), who often visit PNWU’s campus for coursework or events.
With food insecurity being an ongoing issue in many communities nationwide, the pantry aims to serve as a critical resource, ensuring that all students have equal access to the nourishment they need to succeed.
For many students, access to food means less stress and more focus on their studies. For others, it is a matter of being able to attend class without worrying about whether they have enough to eat. In this way, the Dr. Michael and Kimberly Lawler Food Pantry does not just provide sustenance, but reassurance that we are here for each another.
Looking Ahead
Plans are already underway to expand the pantry’s impact, including increasing its food variety, offering more frequent hours of operation, and ensuring that students are aware of the resources available to them.
“The developmental phases of the pantry have been so exciting to watch,” said Dr. Taylor, adding that campus-wide participation and dedication has consistently increased since the idea first started taking shape. “The Lawler Food Pantry is an excellent example of a university-wide synergy that brings everyone together in a connected and collaborative endeavor.”
Visit the Dr. Michael and Kimberly Lawler Food Pantry
Location: DDEH, 1st Floor, near the Open Study Space
For more information and updates, visit the Dr. Michael and Kimberly Lawler Food Pantry page or contact foodpantry@pnwu.edu.
