The Fabric Pantry is a nonprofit student-run organization dedicated to providing Kent students with fabric and sewing materials cost-free.
While it is widely known around campus for putting on amazing fashion shows like the upcoming ECOSPHERE: Study of Biomes, its true mission is a lot less flashy.
“It’s almost double-sided, it is a club and a resource,” Evelyn Snyder, vice president of The Fabric Pantry, said.
Currently, the pantry receives over 95% of donations from the community of Kent. Denim, muslin and corduroy are some of the most desired materials and among the first to go.
The Fabric Pantry is based out of Rockwell Hall Room 306 on Kent State’s main campus. Any student is welcome to browse or use materials in the pantry, but members ask students to refrain from disrupting any classes located in 306.
Brooke Henriksen, president of the pantry, said they hope to decrease material waste and educate students on sustainability.
“The pantry as a resource is making the school and program more circular. Students are taking fabric to utilize for their projects. After they are done students bring back scraps helping with the circularity,” she said.
Currently, on Kent State’s main campus, there are no alternative fabric stores. Henriksen said one of the fabric pantry’s main objectives is accessibility and providing students with cost-free materials.
“Some students don’t have access to a car. They can’t drive to Joann and buy fabric. I feel like this is such an incredible resource for them,” Henriksen said.
Snyder said the fabric pantry has already made a massive impact on Kent State student creatives considering the initiative is still new.
“I know people are in there every day,” she said. “Everyone needs fabric from the pantry. When you know the resource is there, it’s hard not to use.”
The Fabric Pantry is currently looking for volunteers to both sort material and obtain donations. Both time and material donations are needed to help this resource continue to support Kent creatives.
To donate or learn more access the Linktree on its Instagram @thefabricpantry_ksu.
Zach Rayz is a reporter. Contact him at [email protected].