Jaeda Nelson builds a legacy as CWU’s first wildcat pantry coordinator

Zileni Milupi Assistant Scene Editor

Inspirational, self-driven, inclusive and a change maker are a few of the words those who work closely with Wildcat Pantry Coordinator Jaeda Nelson used to describe her. As the first person to ever hold the position since June 2022, Nelson has established connections with donors and partners and has largely contributed to the overall growth of the pantry in a short period.

President Wohlpart created the position last year when Nelson and her fellow PUSH (Presidents United to Solve Hunger) club members approached him with the need for a professional staff to oversee the administrative aspects of the pantry as it continued to grow. According to Nelson, she was among the candidates and was selected for the position by her peers.

“Being a first-generation student, it was important that I was able to provide some kind of experience for other students that have similar experiences as me to feel like when they come to campus, they're taken care of and that people recognize them and they see them,” Nelson said. Wohlpart explained the importance of the pantry and how he acknowledged the need for the position.

“This is an imperative for the university and an imperative for me as President to make sure we are providing all of the support for students that they need,” Wohlpart said. “Especially so that they can focus on their learning experience and not have to worry about where their next meal is coming from.”

According to Nelson, she initially didn’t expect to get the position herself, but saw the need for someone to ensure the sustainability of the pantry.

“It wasn't something that maybe I expected,” Nelson said. “I think that's been a nice thing that I've kind of just been leaning into work that makes me feel good and makes me feel like I can contribute to something bigger than myself.”

PUSH club and pantry background

According to their website, PUSH (Presidents United to Solve Hunger) is a collection of universities from around the world that have the collective mission to end hunger and poverty, both locally and globally. CWU launched its chapter in 2015 to help combat food insecurity on campus.

Nelson explained that while most universities’ PUSH chapters tend to be led by faculty and full-time staff, CWU’s chapter was completely student-led since its conception. According to CWU’s PUSH club website, the Wildcat Pantry initially started out as a student-led initiative through the club.

Prior to having a space for the pantry in Brooks Library, the PUSH club would provide free food for students using boxes and shelves throughout campus through neighborhood donations from what Nelson called a ‘walk and knock.’ Nelson joined the club during her second year at CWU in 2018 and became President of the club during her senior year.