The American Democracy Project hosted a Times Talk on Tuesday, February 23rd at 12:00 p.m. in Forsyth Library as a way to inform Fort Hays students and faculty about The Tiger Food Exchange, and the importance of students having access to fresh foods.
Sarah Bailey, the head coordinator, led the discussion about all of the different ways the Tiger Food Exchange is looking to help make a difference on the FHSU campus.
The main purpose of the Tiger Food Exchange is to provide the Fort Hays community- students, faculty, and staff- with opportunities to receive and exchange food items on a need basis. The program aims to get rid of the stigma that surrounds food pantries, and works to encourage people to use the services available to help them live a healthier lifestyle.
The Tiger Food Exchange is located on the second floor of Forsyth Library, and since January of this year has had around 220 students use the food services. “Last semester we had 1300 students use it, and every semester the numbers keep getting larger. It’s kind of miraculous how well it has been used.”
The Tiger Food Exchange works directly with Victor E. Garden to make fresh produce available to the FHSU community and grows a variety of fruits and vegetables depending on the season.
The program functions mostly on donations from faculty, and different organizations throughout the community and on campus. Students can also make donations to the food exchange at Forsyth Library. The Tiger Food Exchange encourages students to take what they need and leave what they can.
The success of Fresh Food Fridays and other events hosted by the Tiger Food Exchange has had a very positive effect on the entire campus community. The program works to provide FHSU students in need with food and other necessary supplies, as well as encourages healthy eating habits. The program is the only one in the state of Kansas to feature both a community garden and food exchange program and is making great strides in the fight to end hunger at Fort Hays State University.