Keeping the St.A.S.H.

Students Against Student Hunger President continues club’s mission

to seek the help that they need.

“This is the type of club that hits home and hits your heart,” Iqbal said.

At the right place at the right time.

That’s how Fatima Iqbal describes the start of her journey as the president of Students Against Student Hunger, or St.A.S.H.

She said it all started when she walked by Philosophy professor Christopher Lay’s office and saw the word St.A.S.H. She had no contacts on, so it was hard for her to read the club’s full name.

Lay came out of his office and presented her with a card. He told her to take one and read into the club.

Iqbal later asked Lay if she could donate some food, and from then on, she knew the club had a special place in her heart.

“I thought a great way to give back to my community would be in the form of donating food,” Iqbal said. “I’ve always thought if I’m able to eat at night, why can’t my peers? Why can’t the next person sitting next to me?”

Iqbal said she started to get involved with the club while Jordan Rice, vice president of St.A.S.H., was the acting president at the time. She said her core values and religious beliefs ignited her passion to give back to the community.

“Personally, myself there have been times where I’ve had long gaps and I’ve needed food, or I was too busy to go get food,” Iqbal said. “I’ve had friends in that position and it’s very heartbreaking you know?”

Iqbal said food insecurity is a big problem that students struggle with and she wants to make the campus community feel more secure when it comes to eating.

“There is this stigma just because you may be of color, low-income, you have a different gender or race and, top of that, you don’t have access to food,” Iqbal said. “You become exiled and you are seen as an outcast. That is the stigma that we are trying to alleviate.”

Iqbal wanted to become president not just to aid with the club’s structure, but to make a lasting impact on those who are too afraid

The goal for the club changes each semester regarding new leadership roles, according to Iqbal.

“Each semester has a different theme depending on who is in charge,” Iqbal said. “My goal is, ‘Food is love, let’s spread it.’”

Iqbal has been working with the club to get good stock each week in the food pantry and events started on campus.

She said St.A.S.H. will be hosting a Halloween costume event on the mall Tuesday and Wednesday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. to spread awareness about the club. Candy will be passed out that advocates some of the club’s messages.

The club has been active for a few years but must continuously adapt when students transfer on to fouryear universities, according to Iqbal.

“Because St.A.S.H. is fairly new and we have this community college atmosphere, we have members coming in and out,” Iqbal said.

She said it can also get difficult when balancing many heavy duties at the same time.

“I am a full-time student,” Iqbal said. “I also am a full-time worker. I have a lot of things on my plate as well, so it gets challenging.”

Iqbal said she has felt herself get better at communicating and providing a healthier environment to students under her role as president.

“Anybody and everyone can get food, even if you feel like you don’t deserve it, our doors are open,” Iqbal said.

Lay said Iqbal presented herself as a strong candidate for the role of president.

“She expressed interest in leadership over the summer,” Lay said. “At the beginning of this semester there was a vote and she was elected president.”

Rice said he sees great potential in the skills Iqbal presents to the club.

“She’s actually brought in a lot of new faces and integrated them into the fold really well for someone that hasn’t stepped into a leadership position before,” Rice said. “She’s had to inspire a lot people and give them a sense of purpose within the group.”

The club shares a universal interest to feed those in need, according to Lay.

“Fatima and I are both interested in helping other people help other people so that they can both be benefited,” Lay said.

Rice said it is because of Iqbal’s persistence that the pantry now has flexible hours.

“She’s been able to create a system where we have operating pantry hours throughout the week,” Rice said. “She’s done a great job at dishing out the roles, or delegating, so to speak.”

Lay has witnessed Iqbal’s passion toward making sure every person can be fed.

“She’s expressed an interest in seeking after equality through regards to food,” Lay said.

Rice said Iqbal is an inspiring natural leader with a lot of warmth to offer.

“She has a great taste in hip hop,” Rice said. “She’s very grounded and down to earth. No drama, just good people and I’m happy to be working with her.”

Rice said Iqbal admires the craft of leadership and brings a lot of positive energy to St.A.S.H.

“I think Fatima captures that essence because she really does care,” Rice said. “She lifts up the weight when someone else isn’t pulling it and she takes a lot of action. I appreciate her a lot and I look forward to seeing what type of leader she becomes.” cwestman.roundupnews@gmail.com