Caring For Its Own

The K-State College of Veterinary Medicine community gives extra support to its students.

Story by Rylee Coy, student writer.

“We started thinking about the issue of food security around 2019 and created the ‘Purple Pantry,’” says Dr. Adryanna Siqueira Drake, clinical assistant professor in counseling services at the college.

For this program, food was provided and placed in the cabinets in the Student Success Center for any students in need. The Purple Pantry concept has been embraced and has now expanded into the basement of Trotter Hall.

“Student debt has been part of our conversation for a long time,” Dr. Drake says. “We wanted a better way to support our students without them needing to go to another of part of campus to receive services.”

While the college hosts a food drive once a year, donations can be made at any time. Monetary donations are also accepted to support the Purple Pantry and are used to buy special items as needed. The funds also provide produce once a month and a limited number of vouchers to Call Hall Dairy Bar for buying animal-protein products such as meat, eggs and milk.

Students are regularly invited to submit wellness proposals to improve support services. One of the ideas prompted the creation of the Purple Threads concept.

“The proposal for Purple Threads was originally for business professional clothes so students could work in clinics, go to job interviews, attend white coat ceremony, and find whatever is needed for professional attire,” Dr. Drake says. “That was definitely one idea we were excited about and felt like it could impact a lot of people.”

Purple Threads has business clothing, coats, scrubs and more. It operates entirely on clothing donations from supporters within the college. The goal is to try to take the stress off of students when they need business clothes or scrubs because of the expenses.

Upon donation, items are checked. If it is a quality garment, it is then put out on the racks for students to access. After finding clothing to use, the students are not required to bring it back.

Another enhancement to the Purple Pantry, based on a wellness proposal, were the addition of hygiene and health supplies. There are feminine hygiene supplies, cough drops, Tylenol and other things to help students in a bind.

Students are able to access these services at any time with their college badges. The services are on a “take what you need, leave what you don’t” basis. There are no other requirements besides being a College of Veterinary Medicine student.

Most donations and support comes from students, friends of the college, faculty and staff. Donations for these three programs can be taken to the basement of Trotter Hall, right outside of room 001. Monetary donations can be made through the QR code or online for Purple Pantry.