The MVSU Food Pantry was established by the Student Government Association under the leadership of Brandon McCall in 2019 to help alleviate food insecurity among MVSU students. The Food Pantry is operated by student volunteers.
The MVSU Food Pantry is not funded by the University. We rely exclusively on donations from individuals like you. You can contribute to the MVSU Food Pantry in a variety of ways, including donating money, food, or your time! Click the links below to the options for donating. We appreciate your support.
Give Food (this would be a link with the info below)
The Pantry accepts non-perishable, unopened and unexpired food and toiletry donations. Items can be dropped off at the Pantry during open hours, _____________________________
The Pantry provides reusable bags for students to use for carrying items. If possible, it is helpful if donations are dropped off in reusable bags that the Pantry can keep!
Give Funds (this would be a link that would take you to a page to give online – working with Advancement
All of the funds for distribution expenses are raised through charitable donations for individuals, organizations, and community members like you! Your monetary support is essential to the success of our service.
All financial fits to the MVSU Food Pantry are tax deductible.
Online financial donations via__________________are extremely appreciated.
Food insecurity refers to the lack of access to enough food or limited and uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate food. Lack of nutritious food can be detrimental to the success of our students Financial hardship can be distracting and can compromise students’ ability to perform well in class.
Research
According to Feed American, Map the Meal Gap 2019, over 573 of Mississippi households are food insecure and other studies show that the rate of food insecuirty among college students is several times higher than among the general population.
Additionally, the 2016 report, Hunger on Campus: The Challenge of Food Insecurity for College Students, food insecurity is a problem even for students who are employed, participate in a campus meal plan, or seek other financial or material help:
- Fifty-six percent of food insecure students reported having a paying job.
- Being enrolled in a meal plan with a campus with a campus dining hall does not eliminate the threat of food insecurity.
- Three in four food insecure students receive some form of financial aid, yet it regularly falls short to meet most sudents' needs.
The MVSU Food Pantry is a student run initiative. Students are essential to its success. You can make a difference and give back by registering to be a volunteer. The MVSU faculty and staff are also welcome to participate in volunteer activities. Together we can end food insecurity on our campus. The Pantry needs volunteers to help maintain the facility during its hours of operation! This includes sorting, reorganizing shelves, and assisting students.
Register to be a Pantry Volunteer.
To continue to replenish items, we need your help.
- Click here to give monetary donations
- Schedule item donations drop-offs:
Email mvsu.sga1950@mvsu.edu to schedule drop-off
- Please mail items to:
P.O. Box 7248
Jacob Aaron Student Union Annex
What is Food Pantry’s purpose on campus?
The food pantry for all MVSU students to ensure food security. We are a great resource for immediate food assistance.
How does someone go about receiving food?
What type of food does the MVSU Food Pantry offer? Does your food pantry give away toiletries?
We provide non-perishable food items such as pasta, ready-to-eat meals, canned fruits and vegetables, etc. as well as household items such as cleaning products and personal care items, such as dish detergent, soap, paper towels, toothbrushes, etc.
Is it required that students live on campus in order to receive food or can they be commuters?
The MVSU Food Pantry welcomes all students.
Are students required to have a meal plan to receive food?
Any MVSU student, regardless of whether or not they have a meal plan, can use the Food Pantry.
Do students need to demonstrate need in order to use the Food Pantry?
No, students do not have to meet special criteria in order to utilize our services.
Do you maintain student confidentiality?
Absolutely. Non-identifiable information is used for usage reporting. We simply keep track of the number of people who use the Food Pantry.
How can students get involved with the MVSU Food Pantry?
Students can get involved with the MVSU Food Pantry by emailing mvsu.sga1950@mvsu.edu. This will give you more information about what it looks like to volunteer in the food pantry and become a volunteer. Students can also get involved by donating non-perishable food or toiletry items throughout the year.
Does your food pantry operate over summer, winter break, or other holidays?
The Food Pantry is not open during university holidays or breaks. However, staff in the Food Science and Human Nutrition main office (Food Sciences Building room 2312) have access to the pantry so they can open it upon request.
Why types of marketing do you engage in?
In order to reach out to MVSU students and staff/faculty members, we utilize the following marketing techniques: mass e-mails to all MVSU students, flyers posted around campus, display booths at various promotional events on campus and more.
Hours of Operation:
Tuesdays & Fridays 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Mission
The Mississippi Valley State University Campus Pantry's mission is to minimize hunger among our students by providing free, accessible, and nutritious food, to encourage an educational understanding of food insecurity, and to provide a space for students to volunteer and network with their peers.
Who Qualifies?
The MVSU Campus Pantry is open to current MVSU students with a valid MVSU ID.
How to Use the Food Pantry
- You must be a current Mississippi Valley State undergraduate, graduate/professional, or international student.
- Come to the Pantry during its hours of operation and bring your MVSU ID. You will fill out your first-time information sheet.