Two UC Davis students are leading an effort to establish a food pantry to serve fellow students who are struggling to make ends meet.

Senior Justin Gold from the San Fernando Valley and junior Hannah Kirshner of Carmel are working through logistics — including health and safety inspections — and trying to raise funds to open The Pantry by Jan. 4.

The efforts here follow recent openings of food banks on the campuses of UCLA, Bakersfield College, Oregon State University and West Virginia University.

“I have friends who are struggling with school expenses, especially the recent fee increases,” said Gold, who is double majoring in philosophy and political science. “I want to help.”

Undergraduate fees at UC Davis rose 26 percent from the fall of 2009 to the fall of 2010, due to action by the Board of Regents, which has approved an addition increase of 8 percent for the fall of 2011.

In a spring survey of UC undergraduates systemwide, almost 25 percent of some 9,500 respondents from UC Davis reported that they "somewhat often" to "very often" skipped meals to save money. Another 25 percent said they occasionally skipped meals.

“I don’t find myself in that position,” said Kirshner, a political science major. “That’s why I’m so motivated to help other students.”

The Pantry has already collected about 130 pounds of canned goods and $1,000 in cash. Kirshner, formerly an external affairs commissioner for the Associated Students of UC Davis, and Gold, who serves as a student assistant to Chancellor Linda P.B. Katehi, are trying to raise at least another $1,000 before the pantry opens so it can purchase some food to complement the donated food and provide a more well-rounded menu.

The organizers are proposing a menu of about 30 items, including high-protein foods like beans and peanut butter, pastas and grains, and bread. The pantry also will stock toiletries and feminine hygiene products.

The pantry, which will operate as a unit of the ASUCD, will be open from noon to 2 p.m. on weekdays in the basement of Freeborn Hall. Those who show a current UC Davis student identification card will be able to request three items a day for free.

The university has provided space and helped with logistics, Gold said. Student Housing has offered shelving, and the dining commons is providing temporary storage for the food already collected.

The pantry will invite campus groups to volunteer to help staff the pantry and participate in food drives.

UC Davis estimates that a year (three academic quarters) of undergraduate study at the campus costs California residents from $21,770 to $28,160 (including fees, books and supplies, room and board, transportation and personal expenses), depending on their living arrangements.

More than 37 percent of UC Davis undergraduates receive Pell Grants, federal need-based grants for low-income students. In all, about 68 percent of undergraduates receive financial aid.

Among a range of financial aid, UC Davis provides short-term and emergency loans for students who are experiencing a temporary shortage of funds. The loans are for educational purposes only.

Donations can be made by check payable to “ASUCD” and mailed to The Pantry, UC Davis, One Shields Ave., ASUCD 347 Memorial Union, Davis 95616.