Is the dining hall not satisfying your needs? Do you crave some more variety or just Ramen? Do you just need to get out of Grinnell for a couple hours? Well, fear no more.

Grinnell Campus Security recently instituted a grocery shuttle service to Wal-Mart, Hy-Vee, Theisen's and Fairway. The shuttle runs each Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. departing from the security offices, the JRC or, depending on how busy the service is, even students' dorm rooms. Students can arrange for pickup at a specific time simply by calling the Security office.

The program began as the brainchild of Stephen Briscoe, director of Security, who worried about the safety of students walking long distances late at night. "One time I saw students carrying groceries on the road at night and that really concerned me," said Briscoe.

Briscoe proposed the idea to the rest of Security and later to Tom Crady, then vice president of Student Affairs. Upon approval of the plan, administrators allocated money to rent a van every Thursday evening from Enterprise Rental to escort students to local supermarkets. Security Officer John Booth added an extra shift to his duties in order to drive the van.

Russ Motta, assistant director of Campus Safety and Security, said the service might also ease parking constraints by making it easier for students without cars to get around Grinnell, particularly international students who cannot bring cars to campus. "Security is in a position to provide that service [to the students] to get groceries or medicine," he said.

Courtney Sheehan '11, who has already used the service, said that it made shopping much more convenient. "[It's] a great option when you don't feel like mooching a ride from your friends or your friends don't feel like letting you mooch," said Sheehan. "Or if your friends judge you for going to Wal-Mart."

Security Supervisor Amy Coleman said the service has been well-utilized by students. "I felt there was a need for student shuttles because it was a safety issue, and since that time it's been used regularly," she said.

Though Sheehan has only used the service once, she believes it is "very encouraging that the college provides transportation to places where you can get food other than their own facilities."

"My driver even told me he would take me to Dairy Queen if I ever craved a malt," said Sheehan. "Kids should continue to take advantage of the grocery shuttle so that it remains an option for years to come."

To use the service call Security any Thursday at 641-269-4600 (or x4600 on campus phones).