Vermont Food Pantry Benefits from Society's Civic Engagement Initiatives

A church food pantry got a much-needed facelift, thanks to the Phi Theta Kappa chapter at Landmark College in Vermont. Members incorporated two Phi Theta Kappa service programs to help improve the facility for local residents in need.

Project Graduation is a Phi Theta Kappa civic engagement initiative centered on helping those in need by setting up food and book drives during commencements. In 2005, chapters collected over 178,000 food items and more than 90,000 books. The 2006-08 International Service Program, Operation Green: Improving Our Communities is a partnership between Phi Theta Kappa and Keep America Beautiful.

In October, members helped beautify a local church food pantry designated for those who live near or below the poverty line. After many days of painting and cleaning, the facility was restored, replenished and reorganized for those who rely on the pantry.

Advisor David Mulholland said the chapter became involved after a need for help was expressed by those who run the pantry.

Mulholland and chapter members decided to develop a plan to help renovate the facility to make it more efficient for the church and community members.

With help from chapter members and many non-members from throughout the community, the food pantry became a more organized resource for residents.

"I am very pleased we were able to extend the Keep America Beautiful campaign to a community that really needs it," said chapter secretary Kevin Tuszl. "It is very important that we continue to stay involved and do what we can."

The chapter also implements Project Graduation throughout the community. By supporting such efforts like the food pantry and a local literacy program, the chapter makes sure those in need are not forgotten.

"It really means a lot to be able to take part in an organization that actually goes out into the community and makes a difference. I was overwhelmed when people came to thank me and explain how the food pantry will help their families celebrate the upcoming holidays," said member Ramona Cordasco.

Don Linden, the local moderator for the church, couldn't be more pleased with the chapter's hard work.

"Students from Landmark College provided a great service to us by improving our facilities," said Linden. "We are more able to provide services for those in need in our community."

Mulholland says the chapter did more than help a local food pantry; they increased awareness of the worldwide environmental and hunger issues.

"Our students made a difference in the lives of a small group of community servants. Yet, while they are helping to meet individual needs, they are acting collectively as Phi Theta Kappa to address hunger or the environment globally," said Mulholland. "From one remote corner of the world, opportunities for service seem boundless."

Learn more about the new International Service Program, Operation Green: Improving Our Communities and Project Graduation online.

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