Q&A with Emma Bastian, club president
What are the goals and missions of Students Helping Our Peers (SHOP)?
SHOP’s mission statement is to engage with anti-hunger advocates and serve the student population by increasing hunger awareness and food security.
When and where does SHOP meet?
The SHOP’s doors are open on Mondays from noon-5 p.m., Tuesdays from noon-5 p.m. and Wednesdays from 2-7 p.m. The date of SHOP’s first general club meeting is to be determined, but will be held at 1306 Beyer Hall. The executive council meets weekly on Fridays at 1306 Beyer Hall.
What opportunities does SHOP have for students to get involved? Leadership?
There are two tiers of involvement at SHOP. Students may become volunteers by spending 1-3 hours per semester in the SHOP, or they may become club members by spending more than six hours per semester in the SHOP. To start volunteering, students must complete a short training that will appear on their Canvas page. Training content covers SHOP’s policies, food dignity and security, and volunteer responsibilities. Club members complete additional training and attend club meetings.
The SHOP’s student advisory board consists of a president, treasurer, secretary, risk management chair and public relations chair. Students on the board serve a year-long term. Students interested in joining the student advisory board may apply in December each year.
What events, activities or fundraisers does SHOP partake in?
SHOP is a recipient of Iowa Farm Bureau's Tackling Hunger partnership with the Iowa State Cyclone football team. The Farm Bureau committed to donating $25 for every tackle Iowa State makes during the season.
SHOP has also participated in food drives with various fraternities and sororities, Iowa State Athletics, and departments, colleges and organizations on campus. SHOP participates in Welcome Fest and ClubFest and plans to participate in the Housing Fair and Sustainapalooza this semester.
Who can join SHOP? Are there any requirements?
SHOP welcomes any Iowa State student to volunteer after completing the short Canvas training.
What makes SHOP fun and unique?
One of the unique aspects of SHOP is its history as a pantry that was started by students in the fall of 2010. It started as one shelf in the Food Sciences Building and has continued to grow over the past 14 years to two full-sized rooms in 1306 Beyer Hall. In 2018, the Food Security Workgroup was formed on campus and began to work more closely with Student Health and Wellness. In August of 2020, SHOP moved to 1306 Beyer Hall. This allowed for more space, as well as the ability to provide perishable foods all year round, including semester breaks. Finally, in 2024, the SHOP expanded again. SHOP gained additional space, graduate assistant and intern help, and a full-time staff member.
Additional comments
It’s important to note that there is a satellite location of SHOP in the Sloss House, known as the Resource Room. There, students can find shelf-stable food items, as well as donated books, clothing and supplies for student parents.
Information compiled by Katrina Hageman