Just inside Kresge Hall, Simpson College’s new Storm Shelter has opened its doors, offering students a variety of food, clothing and other essential resources.
The new food co-op and clothing closet on campus has already established itself as beneficial and easily accessible for all students. During its hours of operation on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to noon, the shelter provides food such as macaroni and cheese, soup, oatmeal packets, canned goods, snacks and much more.
In addition to food, the Storm Shelter also offers clothing and everyday essentials, with items ranging from sweaters and winter gear to suit jackets and button-downs. The shelter also carries everyday care items, including toothpaste, laundry detergent, soap and feminine hygiene products.
Ellie Blosser, the AmeriCorps Service and Community Engagement Coordinator for Student Development, is the creator of this project. Working with the Religious Life Community (RLC) to transition sourcing donations, inventory tracking and monitoring needs, Blosser began to implement inspiring ideas from the food pantry.
The food pantry at Grand View University, where Blosser recently completed her master’s degree, drew many students, including Blosser herself.
“I went in for the first time, and I was like, why am I not using this? There were all these things like vegetable oil, eggs … things that really add up when you go to the grocery store,” Blosser said.
Her visit reshaped her perspective on what food pantries are and what they should look like. Now, Blosser hopes to bring the same experience to Simpson students.
Blosser highlighted her desire to eliminate misconceptions surrounding essential needs.
“I want to erase the stigma behind utilizing a food pantry in general … I feel like there is an unspoken barrier of ‘no that’s for somebody else,’ but it’s really for everyone,” Blosser said.
Blosser described ways others can help reduce this stigma. Blosser noted they were always accepting donations of non-perishable items and clothing of any kind. Designated donation boxes can be found at the front of the Student Development office,Holy Grounds in Smith Chapel and in front of the shelter itself.
Additionally, Blosser explained how students who may feel uncomfortable with the open hour times could schedule visits by emailing her. She emphasized the Storm Shelter is open to all students, and access to Kresge Hall is available to anyone with a student ID.
Blosser also outlined her wish to expand operations in the future. She touched on wanting more open hours, increasing service to volunteer work and potentially partnering with the Food Bank of Iowa in the future.
For now, endeavors rely heavily on support from students, faculty and staff. The shelter’s operation would not be possible without them.
Junior Cooper Nuss, an education studies major with a concentration in chemistry, has contributed to the Storm Shelter and Blosser’s work.
Previously working with RLC’s food co-op since his sophomore year, his responsibilities included monitoring and restocking the pantry in Holy Grounds as needed. Now, he has assisted Blosser in the transition of services.
“Ellie has been really great to work with, and she has done a great job. I’m really grateful that there’s someone who can devote a significant amount of more time than what I was able to do,” Nuss said.
Student involvement, such as Nuss’s, and efforts largely supported by faculty and staff are what allow food co-ops like the Storm Shelter to succeed.
