Finding belonging through service

When Kayce Johnson ’27 first stepped into the University of Redlands Student Food Support Pantry (SFSP), she was briefly transported back to a time when she was worried about where her next meal would come from. The sparse shelves and familiar sense of insecurity hatched an idea in the newly arrived transfer student searching for her own sense of belonging — giving back to students in need through two initiatives.

“With the Redlands Student Government (RSG) food pantry drive, I’m hoping to restock the food pantry for the holiday season and, in working with local community members and businesses, continue to fund the pantry through the academic year,” she said. “I want students to not have to worry about where their next meal will come from — I want them to be able to focus on their studies.”

Johnson, a data science major, joined RSG as a junior senator within weeks of starting the fall term. While exploring campus, she encountered the Office of Community Service Learning and Assistant Dean of Student Experiential Learning and Director of Sustainable Education Erin Sanborn.  

“After talking with Erin, I learned more about the food pantry and its funding,” she said. “In RSG, we have the option to run a project, and with U of R being so community oriented, I immediately wanted to focus that project on funding the food pantry. It’s such an important resource on campus, especially for students who are here during the holidays and don’t have access to the commons.”

Through her RSG project budget, Johnson funded donation boxes, print materials, and raffle prizes ensuring every dollar and can collected would directly benefit the pantry. She partnered with Greek Life to distribute the boxes and recruit volunteers to sort goods, connected with student clubs, Residence Life, and campus communication channels to spread the word. Johnson has even expanded the effort beyond campus by meeting with the Redlands Chamber of Commerce, contacting the Redlands Daily Facts, and is working on long-term partnership conversations with businesses, including Trader Joe’s and Costco.

“Kayce’s passion for supporting the food pantry and raising awareness about it has already made a tremendous impact,” Sanborn said. “She’s one of those students who gets an idea and then genuinely digs in to find meaningful, inclusive, and practical ways to make it happen. She asks all the right questions, considers creative and reasonable options, and then gets the work done.”

Johnson’s understanding of the pantry’s purpose drives her commitment to increasing awareness of a resource many students don’t know exists and to reducing the stigma around using it. Because the pantry exists to serve students whenever they need it—no questions asked—her work to secure both in-kind and financial support is a true reflection of her relentless Bulldog spirit.

“I’m hoping a lot of the support comes from external community partners,” she said. “But it’s amazing to see how many students want to step up. Getting involved in something meaningful helped me feel plugged into Redlands right away. Classes matter, but connection keeps you here. I want that for every student.” 

As Johnson prepares for a career in actuarial science (risk assessment and analysis) and continues advocating for student needs, she hopes this effort creates a foundation that will outlast her time on campus.

“It doesn’t matter if anyone remembers my name,” she said. “I just want students to have what they need.”

This Thanksgiving season, her message is simple yet personal—no student should go hungry.

Donate to the Student Food Support Pantry today.