USU Professor Donates $7,500 Award to Cache Valley Food Pantry, Sparking a Community Challenge

A prestigious award at Utah State University is doing more than just honoring a professor; it’s putting food on the table for students in need.

Dr. Michael Twohig, a psychology professor in Logan, recently received the esteemed D. Wynne Thorne Career Research Award, which comes with a $7,500 cash prize.

Instead of keeping the funds, he made a remarkable gesture of generosity.

Professor Twohig donated the entire amount to the campus's Student Nutrition Access Center, better known as the SNAC food pantry.

He is now challenging the Cache Valley community to join him, turning his personal honor into a collective effort to combat student hunger.

Twohig has launched a matching campaign, pledging to match every dollar donated by the community with funds from his award until the $7,500 is met.

The motivation behind his decision is deeply personal and rooted in his work with students.

He explained that he has seen firsthand how students, including some of his own Ph.D. candidates, struggle to make ends meet after paying for tuition and housing.

It's a stark reality that often goes unnoticed.

Shocking statistics from the Logan institution reveal that over 60% of USU students have faced some degree of food insecurity.

This challenge to student well-being directly impacts their ability to learn and succeed.

The SNAC program is a vital resource on the Utah State University campus, providing not just canned goods but also fresh food.

A key part of its mission involves a food reclamation program, where unused meals from campus catering services and local Logan restaurants are repackaged and offered to students.

This innovative approach prevents waste while providing high-quality, nutritious options.

Kaylie Meccariello, the student director for SNAC, emphasized how transformative the donation will be.

She noted that the funds will help keep shelves stocked with a wider variety of foods, making the pantry more appealing and useful to a broader range of students.

Having experienced food insecurity herself, Meccariello understands the stress of trying to study while hungry.

“SNAC was a place for me to find help,” she stated, highlighting how access to food improved her academic performance and social life.

Professor Twohig’s donation and the matching campaign are already making waves, with reports of strong initial support from the community.

He stressed that every contribution, no matter the size, makes a direct impact on the lives of students in our Cache Valley community.

FAQ: Supporting the USU Food Pantry

What is the SNAC food pantry at USU?

The Student Nutrition Access Center (SNAC) is the official USU food pantry located on the Logan campus. It provides free, nutritious food, including fresh and reclaimed meals, to students, faculty, and staff experiencing food insecurity.

How can I donate to the Cache Valley food pantry at USU?

Donations can be made directly to Utah State University, designated for the SNAC program. Professor Michael Twohig's current matching campaign provides an opportunity to double the impact of any financial contribution.

Why is college food insecurity a major issue?

Many students struggle to afford consistent, healthy meals after covering high costs for tuition, fees, and housing. This hidden hunger can negatively affect their mental health, physical well-being, and academic success, making campus food pantries a critical support service.