News and Updates
Check out the latest and greatest things happening within the Dean of Students Office!
Benny's Pantry News
Benny's Pantry is lucky to have such amazing student workers. Rachel Nielsen has been a student employee and a CPI for the pantry and has helped us re-imagine what ISU's pantry could and should look like.
May 19, 2025
"The food that I bought just didn’t last, and I didn’t have money to get more.”
This quote from a student survey illustrates what many students at ISU face, and the driving force behind Rachel Nielsen's recent research on food insecurity at Idaho State University. Nielsen, now a student working towards a master's degree in public administration in the Department of Political Science, has worked as the Benny's Pantry student manager for nearly two years. Her devotion to non-profit work around food security led to a research initiative in collaboration with Shin Kue Ryu, Ph.D., associate professor of political science. Together, they investigated the growing problem of food insecurity among Generation Z students in their study, “College Campus Food Insecurity: Updating Solutions for Gen Z.”
Benny's Pantry Support
The College of Arts and Letters Advisory Board has supported Benny's Pantry all year. Thanks to their thoughtful and continuous support, the pantry has had additional support in keeping the shelves stocked.
November 4, 2024
At Idaho State University (ISU), a quiet yet powerful initiative is making a significant difference in the lives of students. Benny’s Pantry started as a vision in 2014 and has grown into a vital resource for those facing food insecurity within the ISU community. The College of Arts and Letters Dean’s Advisory Board (DAB) has recognized the importance of this mission and is committed to supporting Benny’s Pantry in its efforts to alleviate hunger among students.
Sharon Price, president of the DAB, recently joined Lesa Crawford, the dedicated manager of the pantry, on a shopping trip to gather supplies. Thanks to generous donations from DAB members, faculty members, and the community, they were able to stock up on essential non-perishable food and hygiene items, ensuring that the pantry will remain well-equipped in these areas for at least another month. Finish reading this article!
Benny's Giving Tree
(1).jpg)
December 2024
Benny's Giving Tree 2024 was an absolute success! Some modifications were made to the sign up process and additional partnerships were made. We hope to continue improving our process and reach to students in need. Thank you to all of our generous participants and donors. We look forward to bringing you information for Benny's Giving Tree 2025 in early fall.