Ran by the Department of Student Support and Transitions, Florida State University’s food pantry--Food for Thought Pantry--is a wonderful resource available to students. Located in University Center A, Suite 4108, the food pantry is available for currently-enrolled FSU students that are in need of food throughout the year. The Food for Thought Food Pantry accepts non-perishable food items, cash, or gift cards from anyone willing to donate. Haley Gentile, a Case Manager with the Department of Student Support and Transitions, speaks to how great of a resource this is for FSU students.

In 2009, the Food for Thought Pantry was established by the Associate Department of Student Support and Transitions Robin Leach and Darren McFarlene, a Case Manager. “Our food pantry has seen exorbitant growth in the last ten years,” shares Gentile. “It has moved from a single small closet stocking exclusively non-perishables, to a large room featuring both a fridge and a freezer.” The food pantry is home to food items such as pasta and pasta sauce, almond milk, dry cereal, canned meats and vegetables, and more.

According to some statistics from the Food for Thought Pantry, they served 1,397 unique students between January 2018 to December 2018, the busiest months being November, October, and September (in that order). Since its creation, the pantry has grown considerably in the number of students it serves each year. For September 2019, there has been a 86.34% increase in students served September 2018, which proves just how much students value this resource on campus.

“National assessments of food insecurity, such as the Hope Center's April 2019 survey, have found as many as 45% of college students reported being food insecure within the last 30 days,” Gentile explains. “Students who lack economic stability and financial resources may face tough decisions prioritizing rent, utilities, textbooks, and their dietary needs.” The lack of consistent nutrition leads to consequences for the student, including be unable to focus on course work, participate in extracurriculars, and poor health. “The pantry is a non-judgmental place where FSU students can come to supplement their dietary needs and ensure they have the fuel they need to achieve their goals.” Gentile adds.

The Food for Thought Pantry has begun its annual Beat UF, Beat Hunger Food Drive. From November 11-22, FSU will be in competition with UF to see whose campus can raise the most amount of money and receive the greatest number of donations. “In order to incentivize the donation of particularly in-demand items, FSU and UF have created a point system,” says Gentile. “For example, rice, pasta, peanut butter, canned meats, and tomato sauce, among other options, are all worth 5 points while shelf-stable milk is 4 points, dried fruit and spices are 3 points, while dental hygiene items and menstrual products are 2 points. Every dollar donated during this time qualifies for 1 point.” This anticipated fundraising push for the food pantry helps support the pantry’s stock and services, and helps the students that frequent it. The pantry is also seeking volunteers to help check in the donated items to ensure the items meet food regulation guidelines and get tallied for the total point count. For those interested in volunteering, you can reach out here. If there are any questions, they can be directed to Haley Gentile at hgentile@fsu.edu.

As far as receiving donations goes, the food pantry encourages the community to donate throughout the year. “FSU students, parents, staff, and faculty as well as members of the greater Tallahassee and FSU communities can donate unused, unopened, and unexpired non-perishable goods and hygiene products,” describes Gentile. These donations are accepted through at the Department of Student Support and Transitions main office on the fourth floor of University Center A in the Stadium. Interested parties can also donate money though the FSU Foundation or buy items off of the Food for Thought Pantry’s Amazon Wishlist.

The Food for Thought Food Pantry is available to any currently enrolled student, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Students can redeem food from the pantry by showing their FSU Student ID and signing a waiver form. Visits to the pantry can occur as often as necessary, but students can only take one bag of food at a time.