If you have ever been inside Fairchild Hall, you may have come across the food pantry. Here you can find donated items, such as hygiene products, food, and other necessities, or you might have received baked goods each week as a member of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD). Working behind the scenes for the pantry and sweet treats is Stewart Pequignot. He is the father of CSD alumna and clinical educator, Tricia Larkin.
Pequignot has loyally provided CSD with his food donations over the last three years. Before he began supporting the Fairchild food pantry, Pequignot developed a passion for food preparation as a 10-year-old in his grandmother’s kitchen. Later in life, he led the Illinois Division of Forestry after managing state tree nurseries for 20 years. Upon retirement from his forestry career, he became a baker for Urbana businesses; he also sold his own baked goods at the Urbana Farmers Market every Saturday for 14 years. Pequignot was well-known for his New York-style bagels, selling at a whopping 60-dozen every Saturday. Through the farmers market, Pequignot gained national recognition, and was the subject of local news stories and blogs.
He was inspired to support the well-being of CSD members because he has always loved to bake. He cannot eat most of his baked goods, so he gives to the community. It is also fun for him to offer different recipes each week; he often tries to honor various dietary restrictions, holidays, and cultures through his baking. Pequignot also purchases pantry items that fit the dietary needs of all students by providing allergen-free items.
Pequignot recently moved from a home with a large professional kitchen to one with less space. Even though he had doubts about continuing baking, he has not yet stopped providing baked goods for others. One can still find him baking his favorite and most popular items, including orange cranberry chocolate chip oatmeal cookies, a Fairchild Hall favorite.
The Fairchild food pantry was created for people without easy access to basic necessities due to other obligations. The food pantry is available Monday through Friday when 215 Fairchild Hall is open. Each week, Pequignot inquires about a need for specific pantry donations. He has seen the needs of the food pantry change over time. One of his priorities is making sure the pantry offers vegan, vegetarian, meat substitutes, and gluten-free options to promote more inclusive food security. Moving forward, Pequignot hopes awareness grows for the pantry while the stigma surrounding pantry use lessens.
If you’re ever wondering how to get involved in the food pantry, take Pequignot’s friendly advice:
- Send financial donations by mail with reference for the pantry to the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Campus Box 4720, Normal, IL, 61790-4720.
- Reach out to Tricia Larkin for pantry requests by emailing pllarki1@ilstu.edu.
- Don’t be reluctant to take food pantry items. Pequignot enjoys baking and finds CSD to be a reason to continue his beloved hobby that supports his own well-being. Many people appreciate his willingness and generosity in providing treats and food pantry items for CSD members.
Additionally, consider purchasing a digital copy of Pequignot’s treat recipes for $5 by emailing Tricia Larkin. Funds raised through this project will help CSD keep pantry shelves stocked with basic nutrition and hygiene items for students, clients, and staff in the department. These recipes are perfect for the holiday season, a season of giving.
