By Aidan Bearden / Staff Writer

The Murrell Library is hosting its second annual “Food for Fines” drive, encouraging students to donate nonperishable food and personal care items to reduce library fines and support classmates in need.

From Nov. 3–14, donations will go to Thor’s Pantry, a campus resource that provides free food and hygiene products for MVC students.

This event is organized by Samantha Perkins, the assistant dean of library and academic support services, and Bathsheba Love, the research and circulation coordinator at MVC. Love said she values the service Thor’s Pantry provides to students.

Love said the program benefits everyone involved. “The idea is that you’re helping each other,” she said.

MVC student Jolene Rhyne donated to reduce her fines but also to give back.

“I think it’s important to help people out when you’re able to,” Rhyne said. “There’s no reason not to if you can.”

Love said this year’s drive especially aims to support international students, many of whom stay on campus during breaks and lack transportation to grocery stores.

“There are a lot of students who stay here throughout the school year,” Love said. “They didn’t necessarily have wheels to get to Walmart… It gives them food.”

Library staff said this year’s drive is especially important during the holiday season. So much so that Perkins has decided to use the MVC library budget to donate to Thor’s Pantry. 

Staff  have noticed fewer donations to Thor’s Pantry than in previous years, and they’re also concerned about the ongoing government shutdown affecting the potential aid students might usually receive.

“We have had pretty much zero donations, so we went ahead and we’re going to go ahead and purchase some things sponsored by the library,” said Love. “People aren’t getting paid, they aren’t getting their benefits, and so it’s very important.” 

Other faculty members share the concern. Assistant Professor of Biology Daryl Chastain said food insecurity can affect students’ learning and retention.

“The whole faculty’s been getting together to try to increase student retention,” Chastain said. “How are you supposed to be able to learn if you’re malnourished?” 

He cited research linking proper nutrition to improved academic outcomes, such as higher test scores and lower absenteeism.

Chastain said his concern comes from personal experience relying on food assistance and raising two children. “I understand it as well as anyone else,” he said. “I’m doing pretty well, but a lot of the country is hurting… The thought of having hungry students is just something I can’t tolerate.”

He is now working with Perkins to further expand Thor’s Pantry to support students facing financial hardship.