CSM Supports Student Wellness During Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week

The Maryland Food Bank estimates that more than one in three Marylanders face food insecurity. The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) offers packaged foods and personal hygiene items at no cost to students through its Hawk Pantries to help keep basic needs from becoming barriers to academic success. 

CSM Student Needs and Outreach will recognize Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week Nov. 15-21 with events at the La Plata, Leonardtown, and Prince Frederick campuses to increase understanding of food insecurity and the support available through the CSM Hawk Pantry. Coordinator Jehnell Linkins said these resources help students so they can focus on their academics.  

“We have to look at the whole student, not just what is happening in the classroom,” Linkins said. “If a student is worried about basic needs, those challenges can impact their ability to succeed in class. The Hawk Pantry can help support students outside their academics.” 

During awareness week events, students are invited to make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, write encouraging notes for others, and learn about campus and community resources. Student Needs and Outreach will also distribute blankets donated by Project Linus, as well as scarves and gloves, to help students stay warm this winter. 

The events are scheduled for: 

• Monday, Nov. 16: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Leonardtown Campus, Student Lounge (B 102)  

• Tuesday, Nov. 17: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | La Plata Campus, Campus Center (CC Building), Room 100 

• Thursday, Nov. 19: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Prince Frederick Campus, Student Lounge (PFA 104)  

Linkins said Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week highlights the challenges and the available resources at a time many people need it the most. November through January is the busiest time of the year for the pantry. 

“Anyone can experience difficult times, and the holidays can add an extra layer of stress to those struggling to make ends meet,” Linkins said. “We want students to know they don't have to navigate those challenges alone. The Hawk Pantry can help provide the basic needs that can make a real difference.” 

The pantry is located on the first floor of the Lorraine Diana ’79 and Robert Guite Learning Resource Center (LR Building) and offers shelf stable foods and personal hygiene items. In FY26, the Hawk Pantry served more than 560 students and distributed 1,283 pounds of food. CSM student Keiron Dent has always been passionate about helping others. He started working at the Hawk Pantry last year and said it has given him a deeper understanding of what it means to look out for one another.  

“If we don’t take care of each other, how are we going to progress?” Dent said. “I learn more in college every day, and one of the things it taught me is that everyone has a different situation, but we’re all people. If we don’t work together to make things better, it’s not going to get better.” 

The pantry is open for students to pick up items by appointment only. To expand access, the college received an $8,000 grant from the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) to install lockers where students can access shelf-stable food items using a QR code at their convenience, even when the pantry is closed. The lockers will be located at the Prince Frederick Campus this spring with the goal of installing lockers on other campuses.  

The Hawk Pantry is supported by community donations to keep shelves stocked. Staples including pasta, tomato sauce, and shelf stable meats, as well as oral care products are frequently in demand. The Hawk Pantry website has more information on how to get involved and help meet students’ needs.  

Students in need of resources can reach out to hawksgethelp@csmd.edu.