In this episode of GridgeFridge, we sit down with Chloe Shomo, a third-year student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Shomo is an advocate for basic needs on campus and is involved with both the Associated Student Government and the Open Seat Food Pantry. Shomo has been involved in several impactful projects at UW-Madison, such as the implementation of the new basic needs case manager, the basic needs website and an interactive map that showcases food and other essential resources on campus.
Shomo shares her personal experiences with food insecurity and how it catapulted her passion for advocacy on campus. In this conversation, we examine the often overlooked issue of college food insecurity, touching on the challenges students face—from managing demanding workloads while running student organizations to the lack of affordable grocery options and limited awareness of available resources. Despite the weight of the topic, Shomo brings a hopeful perspective, highlighting how finding community through student advocacy groups can help combat feelings of isolation.
If interested in accessing the basic needs website, search basicneeds.students.wisc.edu. Scroll down to the bottom of the homepage to check out the basic needs map. It highlights food pantries, prepared meal locations, food pick-up spots, microwave locations on campus and other essential resources.
If you have any questions about the map or basic needs services, feel free to reach out to openseat@asm.wisc.edu.