Washburn University's Bods Feeding Bods Distributes Nearly 70,000 Pounds of Food During 2025-26 Academic Year

Topeka, Kan. - Washburn University's "Bods Feeding Bods" food and commodities pantry distributed nearly 70,000 pounds of food during the 2025-26 academic year, helping address food insecurity while strengthening partnerships across campus and throughout the community.

"At Washburn University, we are committed to creating an environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed. The Bods Feeding Bods food and commodities pantry reflects that commitment by helping remove barriers that can interfere with academic success and personal well-being," said Dr. Teresa Clounch, associate vice president for student life and dean of students, Washburn University.

"Washburn's motto, 'Non Nobis Solum' ('Not for Ourselves Alone'), comes to life through the generosity of our students, faculty, staff, alumni and community partners. Whether through initiatives like Can Emporia or year-round donations, every contribution strengthens our ability to support Ichabods and demonstrates what it means to care for one another."

The pantry procured more than 74,200 pounds of food and essential care items through donations and its partnership with Harvesters - The Community Food Network and served an average of 25 to 30 visitors each day. Staff carefully tracked inventory, monitored expiration and best-by dates, rotated stock using the first in, first out method and highlighted items nearing their best-by dates with recipe cards that encouraged their use. Pantry staff also completed Harvesters food safety training, which includes guidance on safely evaluating and relabeling eligible food beyond its best-by date. As a result, only 1.4% of all food received by the pantry was recorded as waste.

Community Support Drives Record Impact

Continuing to illustrate Washburn's importance to Topeka, community organizations significantly supported the pantry throughout the year. Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas selected Bods Feeding Bods as one of three area pantries to receive a bulk food donation, contributing nearly 1,900 pounds of food. Countryside United Methodist Church provided financial support and organized donation drives for the pantry, including a concert that raised more than $650. Edward Jones' Topeka offices conducted the year's largest off-campus food drive, donating nearly 2,000 pounds of food and essential care items, along with monetary contributions. The Nautilus Club, a College Hill neighborhood organization, contributed $535 after learning about the pantry through a longtime donor, and Natural Grocers donated more than 2,000 pounds of natural and organic food during the year - enough to support approximately 80 to 100 individuals for a full week.

Bods Feeding Bods also received positive feedback during its annual monitoring visit with Harvesters in January 2026. Harvesters representatives praised the pantry's operations, stewardship of resources and exceptionally low waste rate while expressing interest in supporting future food drives and outreach efforts.

"Bods Feeding Bods sets the standard for excellence. The team intentionally provides the food and essential items students want and need, ensuring the pantry reflects the unique needs of the campus community," said Margaret Moore, Partner Relations Coordinator, Harvesters-The Community Food Network.

"The staff provides exceptional customer service, treating every member of the campus community with dignity, respect and compassion. They have created a welcoming environment that helps remove the stigma often associated with food insecurity, making it easier for students to seek assistance with confidence. Their commitment to serving students, faculty and staff with excellence is evident in every aspect of the pantry's operation."

Campus Partnerships Expand Reach

Washburn University departments and student organizations continued to support pantry operations through donations, volunteers and sustainability initiatives. The Office of Student Involvement and Development (OSID) raised nearly 400 pounds of food and essential care items while also assisting with deliveries. Student Health Services donated hygiene and personal care products and supported campus drives throughout the year. The Washburn Community Garden contributed nearly 200 pounds of fresh produce and the EcoBods student organization helped divert plastic waste from landfills through a recycling partnership. Members of the Art Club designed Cyanotype-print reusable bags for pantry visitors, and students created nearly 40 reusable T-shirt bags for Bods Feeding Bods and Washburn Tech's Care Closet during an Earth Day service project. In November 2025, the Washburn community donated nearly 350 pounds of food during the university's annual Thanksgiving Luncheon, marking the most successful donation effort associated with the event.

Volunteer Experiences Inspire Career Paths

Volunteer participation increased significantly during the year through a new volunteer registration process and partnerships with academic programs requiring service hours. Faculty members helped connect students with volunteer opportunities that fulfilled course requirements while supporting the Washburn community.

One student volunteer credited her experience at Bods Feeding Bods with inspiring a change in her academic and career path. After volunteering at the pantry, the student changed her major to Family & Human Services, saying the experience helped her discover a passion for helping others.

Another student shared that the pantry had become a source of encouragement and support, describing it as a place she visits whether she has had a good day or a challenging one because it makes her happy.

"Can Emporia" Food Drive Sets New Record

Washburn University's "Can Emporia" is much more than a rivalry with Emporia State University. It is an annual community food drive organized by the Washburn Student Government Association (WSGA) and Emporia State's student government in the weeks leading up to the Turnpike Tussle football game. The friendly competition encourages students, employees, alumni and community members to donate food, hygiene items and money to help people experiencing food insecurity in each university's home community.

In Fall 2025, Can Emporia generated more than $2,600 in monetary donations and nearly 2,757 pounds of food benefiting Bods Feeding Bods and other local hunger-relief organizations. The effort established a new Washburn record and helped the university achieve its highest point total in the competition's history and come close to surpassing Emporia State University.

The fall 2026 competition will take place throughout October, including Homecoming Week (Oct. 26-31), and culminate during the Washburn-Emporia State football game at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at Welch Stadium on Emporia State's campus.

Student Research Leads to New Initiatives

A Bods Feeding Bods student employee conducted a food insecurity survey across Washburn's campuses to better understand community needs.

The survey found that 20% of the 70 respondents said food insecurity affected their ability to participate in class, 60% believed there is stigma associated with using a food pantry and 16% reported relying on off-campus resources to meet food needs.

Survey results led directly to a campus can opener drive after students identified a need for tools to open canned food. The drive exceeded its goal of collecting 300 can openers within the first two weeks.

Programs and Grants Strengthen Services

The pantry also expanded support through university programs and partnerships. Bods Feeding Bods received support through the Brenneman Series and the Washburn University Women's Venture Partners which awarded a $5,000 grant to support future operations.

"Bods Feeding Bods is more than a food pantry. It's truly a demonstration of the compassion and generosity that define the Ichabod family. When alumni, donors and friends support this initiative, they're doing more than stocking shelves with food and essential items. They're reducing stress, restoring dignity and helping students focus on what matters most: earning their education and building their future," Marshall Meek, president, Washburn University Alumni Association & Foundation.

In partnership with Washburn's iCard Office and Chartwells, Bods Feeding Bods offers students without a meal plan three free meal swipes each month for all-you-care-to-eat dining at Lincoln Dining Hall. During the spring 2026 semester, students used 383 meal swipes, averaging 92 students per month. Through the program, the pantry distributed more meal swipes than ever before to students experiencing food insecurity during the academic year.

"This year's results demonstrate the power of community," said Molly Steffes-Herman, assistant director, Counseling, Advocacy & Prevention Services, Washburn University. "Faculty, staff, students and community members came together to help us distribute nearly 70,000 pounds of food and essential items while keeping waste to a minimum. Their generosity helps ensure members of the Washburn community have access to the resources they need to thrive."

"At the end of the day, this work is about more than food," said Alli Ramos, care coordinator, Bods Feeding Bods, Washburn University. "Every visit to the pantry represents a person who reached out for support and found a community that cares. When people leave knowing they belong and that someone is willing to help, they're experiencing what 'Not for Ourselves Alone' means in everyday life."

Every dollar donated to Bods Feeding Bods provides approximately $20 worth of food, or about 11 pounds of groceries. For more information about Bods Feeding Bods or to support the pantry, visit washburn.edu/student-life/services/bods-feeding-bods/.

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About Bods Feeding Bods

Founded in 2014, Bods Feeding Bods is Washburn University's food and commodities pantry, providing free food, hygiene products and other essential items to Washburn students, faculty and staff facing food insecurity. The pantry helps meet basic needs, connects individuals with campus and community resources, and supports success by increasing access to nutritious food and everyday necessities.

For further information, contact:
Lacey Kinder
Content Specialist
Telephone: 785-670-2154
Cell: 785-845-1909
Email: [email protected]