TROY, Ala. (TROJANVISION) — TROY’s Office of Civic Engagement teamed up with the Campus Food Pantry to raise awareness about those in need while also recruiting potential volunteers via a sweet treat.

“I put together some kind of event that provides resources to students,” said Office of Civic Engagement member Adaela Park. “With it being Spring, I thought it would be the perfect time to do a smoothie event that would offer a free healthy snack to students.”

The mission behind the smoothie Spring-themed event was to help bring attention to the needs of TROY students who face challenges getting their necessities.

“We saw that there was a true need for students here at TROY,” Park explained. “About 30 percent of students here at TROY are food insecure. They are not able to get nutritious meals. They are doing something to limit their food nutrition because they’re not able to get get it. They’re not able to afford it so really the mission behind the pantry is just be a resource to them.”

The food pantry is open Monday from 2-5 p.m. Students need to make an appointment before visiting here.