The MTSU Student Food Pantry is in critical need of supplies this spring to ensure that every MTSU student in need is able to have at least one meal a day.

The pantry is located in the University College Advising Center of the McFarland Building. It’s a partnership between the University College Advising Center and the Student Government Association and has served almost 200 students since its inception in October 2012.

“That number continues to grow as students are made aware of the pantry,” said Becca Seul, adviser at the University College Advising Center and manager of the MTSU Food Pantry. “Summer is getting closer, which typically means more students in need on campus.”

Watch a video about the Student Food Pantry here.

Although the initial drive just before the holiday season produced a generous response, help is needed to sustain students throughout the rest of the spring term and into the summer.

“We have lots of canned goods, but are missing most of the stuff that the students tend to take the most,” Seul said.

Seul is encouraging campus classes and organizations to consider food drives this semester as a way of boosting supplies.

While all nonperishable groceries are accepted — a complete list is located on the food pantry website, www.mtsu.edu/foodpantry — there are specific items that the pantry is in need of immediately, including food items of popcorn, granola bars, crackers, Jell-O or gelatin desserts, pudding cups, snack packs, fruit cups, canned meats and shelf-stable milk.

Also needed are individual beverages: canned, boxed and bottled juices; bottled water and other drinks.

Everything donated in bulk is separated into individual portions so as many people can benefit as possible.

As more students in need of assistance are made aware of the pantry, the demand for supplies has grown.

“Any active, currently enrolled student can come and access the food pantry,” said Seul. “They don’t have to be referred to us.”

However, Seul emphasizes that the pantry is not a grocery store, but instead is a place where a student who is struggling with hunger can find a meal.

Donations can be made directly to the pantry, which is open 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, in person, by mail or online at the pantry’s website.

A printable campus map is available at http://tinyurl.com/MTParkingMap12-13.

For more information, or if you are an MTSU student who is in need of assistance, contact Seul at 615-494-8910 or Becca.Seul@mtsu.edu or visit the pantry’s website at www.mtsu.edu/foodpantry.

— Lauren Price (news@mtsu.edu)

The MTSU Student Food Pantry, located in the McFarland Building, is seeking the community’s help in restocking its shelves for the spring and summer semesters. (MTSU photos by Jimmy Hart)

Individual beverages are among the needed supplies to properly restock the MTSU Student Food Pantry.