Across the nation, there are college students experiencing food insecurity. It’s an issue that Florida State University’s Food for Thought Pantry has been combating since 2009 and continuously works to eradicate, especially during these challenging times.
The Food for Thought Pantry provides a place for students to collect nonperishable, refrigerated and frozen food items. A vital on-campus resource, the Pantry is expecting an increase in visits by students who have elected to stay in residence halls through spring break and the remainder of the spring semester.
Barring a total university closure, the Food for Thought Pantry will continue to receive donations. Non-perishable items, such as canned meats, soup, cereal, boxed meals, granola bars, peanut butter and jelly are needed to stock the Pantry, as well as donations of refrigerated items, frozen foods, snack foods and fresh fruits and vegetables that don’t necessarily require refrigeration.
Beginning Tuesday, March 24, any unopened, non-expired donations can be delivered to Case Management Services on Tuesdays and Fridays between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. by individuals who have not left the greater Tallahassee area. Staff members will be prepared to receive the items in a tent outside the College of Motion Picture Arts.
To align with best social distancing practices, patrons can elect to send donations via the Food for Thought Pantry’s Amazon Wish List or send a monetary donation through the FSU Foundation’s donation form at dsst.fsu.edu.
Students who have traveled outside of Tallahassee will be asked not to utilize the Food for Thought Pantry until further notice. For more information on this university-wide policy, visit news.fsu.edu. Students who are unable to visit the Food for Thought Pantry should consider referencing this list of pantry referrals compiled by Second Harvest: List of Local Pantries.
Until in-person classes resume, The Food for Thought Pantry will be open from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays by appointment only. Students can review relevant policies and sign up for an appointment slot via a Google Form that is linked at dsst.fsu.edu. Please note that utilization policies are liable to change as the Division of Student Support and Transitions receives new information.
The Food for Thought Pantry is located in University Center A, Suite 4148 and will be administering bags of food in front of the College of Motion Picture Arts. Students are asked to restrict their visits to their appointment times and can expect to present their current FSUCard.
For more information, visit dsst.fsu.edu or call (850) 644-2428.