With winter behind us, spring into action to help The Den, Wilmington University’s food pantry, by dropping off canned goods during Breakfast With the Easter Bunny on Saturday, April 5, in New Castle, Delaware. Just like an animal’s den provides comfort and safety, WilmU’s Den nurtures and supports its Wildcats. 

“For a student, it could be the difference of doing well in school and dropping out of school,” says Dr. Regina Allen-Sharpe, WilmU’s assistant vice president of student affairs and dean of students. “I just could not stand the thought of someone here being hungry.” 

She officially opened The Den in 2022 out of kindness, compassion and a deep personal understanding. 

Growing up, “food pantries were something that we visited all the time, so it’s very, very close to my heart,” says Dr. Allen-Sharpe. “When someone says to me, to Regina Sharpe, ‘I’m hungry; I haven’t eaten since yesterday lunch or yesterday breakfast’ — I know exactly what the feeling is. That’s why it’s so important to me.” 

Tackling Food Insecurity 

According to a recent survey by Temple University’s Hope Center for Student Basic Needs, 41% of college students experience food insecurity. 

“Food insecurities are real for college students, and it’s not an age bracket. It is college students: 18 or 48,” Dr. Allen-Sharpe says. “It’s a real need when folks are trying to better themselves. And if we can help to make things just a little bit easier for them, I think we all play a role in that.” 

“It’s part of the Wilmington University mission. We want to support our students in every way possible,” says Dr. Taylor McCusker, director of student life. “This is a resource that we offer to all of our students, and they just need to ask for it.”  

Resources for Students 

If you’re a student or you know a student who could benefit from The Den, simply fill out a request form online. Local Wildcats can then pick up bags of shelf-stable food, toilet paper and paper towels from the Pratt Student Center in New Castle. For distance learners, The Den runs a virtual food bank of sorts, sending similar supplies via Instacart.  

“When someone calls in or reaches out to us for food, we do what we can to help them. We have never not said yes,” Dr. Allen-Sharpe says. “Even if you’re not food insecure per se, you might not have money for lunch, or you might be running low. We can give you a little something to combat that hunger.” 

To further fight hunger, The Den offers extra packaged food before school breaks and fresh holiday meals several times a year, both in person and across the miles. 

“Students love that,” Dr. Allen-Sharpe says. “They can enjoy those holidays without incurring extra expenses.” 

As for The Den’s expenses, she not only looks forward to the canned food drive but also welcomes food drop-offs at the Student Life desk in the Pratt Student Center and monetary donations year-round. 

“It’s always a good time. It’s always the right time to donate to The Den,” Dr. Allen-Sharpe says.