If there’s anything I’ve learned about being a college student, it’s that money is tight. On top of tuition, we have to figure out how we’re going to put a roof over our heads and how we’re going to fuel our bodies to survive. What I’m trying to say is that grocery shopping can be a bleak affair if you’re up to your eyeballs in rent and tuition. Maybe you just need something to last you until your next paycheck. Or maybe you have a child to provide for and it can all just be a little too much. No worries—MTSU’s got you.

Right next to our Student Union, sits MT One Stop. MT One Stop houses the MTSU Student Food Pantry. The pantry serves roughly 20 to 25 students on a weekly basis. From Spaghetti-O’s to Pine-Sol to feminine products, the food pantry has everything you could possibly need. Danielle Rochelle, manager of the food pantry, was so kind to sit down with me and show me around the pantry.

MTSU’s student pantry serves roughly 20 to 25 students on a weekly basis. (Photo: Nicole Alexander)

If you find yourself needing food from the food pantry, there are one of two ways you can go about it. The first one is online. If you visit the pantry’s website, there is an option to fill out an online request form. In this form you can request everything you will need and what day you would like to pick it up. You’ll get an email when your order is ready and then you can go get it at One Stop after signing in.

If you want to physically go into the pantry and look at your options, then all you have to do is sign in at the One Stop front desk and select the food pantry option. Shortly after, a staff member will meet you to escort you back to the pantry where they will guide and help you get everything you need. There are limits to what you can grab based off inventory.

I’m sure you’re wondering what they have in the actual pantry, and the answer is, well, everything.

MTSU’s Student Pantry is located in MT One Stop. (Photo: Nicole Alexander)

You might not need to contact the food pantry, but maybe you’re wondering how you can help. The pantry does take donations and they do have a list of things they need on their website. Rochelle did mention that something not listed on the website is shelf-stable milk. Other things needed include popcorn, cereal, trail mix, juice, dried fruit paper towels, and more. Things they do NOT accept include candy, gum, or over-the-counter medication.

It’s no secret that MTSU has tons of amazing resources right here on campus. The MTSU Student Food Pantry is no exception to this. As a student myself, I’m delighted to know that MTSU has my back in the event that I have no money for groceries—or anything for that matter. From applesauce to shampoo, the Student Food Pantry has just what you need to get by.

Author Nicole Alexander is currently an undergraduate student in the Recording Industry Program in the College of Media and Entertainment.