The Ram Pantry continues to provide much needed food and toiletries to Fresno City College students as the fall semester wraps up.

Previously, The Rampage reported that 2,000 students visited The Ram Pantry the first week of the semester, breaking a post-pandemic record.

According to Ram Pantry employee Kaylin Daoenuang, about 1,000 FCC students visit the Ram Pantry weekly.

Daoheuang said she also uses the pantry on occasion when getting groceries for herself and her family of seven. She especially likes to get meats, veggies, and canned foods.

She said some of the most popular food items are ribs, and the most popular toiletry item is detergent.

Daoheuang, a new employee and student, said working at the Ram Pantry helps with her anxiety. “I am able to communicate with the students, and it helps me be more open, and talk to people easier,” she said. 

Earlier in the semester the Ram Pantry had a place for students to eat indoors with chairs, tables and a microwave. It was removed to make space for incoming shipments and the microwave is now located outside the ASG office, above the bookstore.

Luis Reyes, who comes to the pantry once a day, said that he wished they would bring back the sitting area, “I was used to the tables, and now I have to walk somewhere else to find seating,” said Reyes. 

Reyes said with over 200 students visiting the Ram Pantry daily, sometimes the food runs out before the end of the day.

FCC nursing major Rigobito Limonm said everyone who visits the Ram Pantry comes from different economic backgrounds. “I think it is a nice way for people to go in without judgment, and just hang out with your friends, and maybe enjoy a snack together,” Limonm said. 

Limonm admitted he wasn’t aware of the Ram Pantry until he started noticing the line gathering outside. He thought it was a school grocery store, but then realized it was an excellent resource that students should take advantage of. 

Bell Shahba, psychology major, learned about the pantry from her friends. “The Ram Pantry is a good resource. I can get snacks whenever I want and never have to pay for it,” Shahba said.

Shahba believes having the Ram Pantry really helps because it keeps her from forgetting to eat.

The Ram Pantry is located next to the FCC Bookstore. Hours of operation are Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesdays 9 a.m. to noon, and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.