MTSU collecting Thanksgiving pantry donations through Nov. 3

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — If you’re looking for ways to give back this holiday season, Middle Tennessee State University has several options on campus.

Thankful Thursday

The Center for Student Involvement and Leadership, the Nontraditional Student Advisory Committee, and the MTSU Food Pantry are teaming up for Thankful Thursday in the lead up to the Thanksgiving holiday break Nov. 26-29.

Donations of nonperishable/canned goods should be dropped off in Room 330 in the Student Union Building by noon on Monday, Nov. 3. For those in need of an on-campus pickup of if you have any questions, email fynse@mtsu.edu.

Any student can pick up a food bag — while supplies last — from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6, in the Student Union Atrium, 1768 MTSU Blvd.

“The MTSU Food Pantry and Center for Student Involvement have seen an uptick in the number of students visiting the pantry,” said Maigan Wipfli, First-Year and Nontraditional Student Engagement director. “So we need the campus community’s assistance in putting this event together and helping our students.”

Suggested items to donate for the Thanksgiving meal bags include stuffing, mashed potatoes, canned sweet potatoes, gravy, condensed soup for casseroles, canned green beans and corn, boxed/powdered milk, cranberry sauce, pie filling and can openers.

Off-campus visitors wishing to donate items must obtain a temporary permit ($2 per day) from the Parking and Transportation Services office at 205 City View Drive or pay by plate by visiting https://bit.ly/mtvisitorparking. A searchable campus parking map is available at https://bit.ly/ParkingMapMTSU2025.

Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn., is collecting nonperishable food items that will be assembled and given out to students during Thankful Thursday, set for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6, in the Student Union Atrium, 1768 MTSU Blvd. Any and all students can pick up a bag. Donations for the holiday food drive will be accepted in Room 330 in the Student Union Building by noon on Monday, Nov. 3. (Submitted photo)

Food pantry

The MTSU Student Food Pantry is also collecting donations outside of the Thankful Thursday collection initiative.

“Now that the weather is cooling off, I always remind people to think about warm meals — anything from oatmeal to soup,” said Melanie Crowder, coordinator of Outreach and Support Programs at MTSU.

Suggested donations for colder weather include oatmeal (variety packs are a plus), grits, hot chocolate, hearty soups, chili, single-serve microwavable meals, pasta and sauce, canned pasta meals, canned beans, and rice (dried and microwavable packs).

It’s also important to remember that students might not have access to stoves, so microwavable meals are especially helpful, as well as can openers.

“We are averaging over 400 visits per month, so anything is appreciated,” Crowder said.

Items can be dropped off in Room 210 of the Student Services and Admissions Center (MT One Stop), 1860 Blue Raider Drive on campus. Off-campus visitors can park in the visitor’s lot outside of the building and secure a temporary parking pass from the first-floor welcome desk.

The food pantry also has online giving options, including a wish list. Visit mtsu.edu/foodpantry/ to learn more or email Melanie.Crowder@mtsu.edu.

— Nancy DeGennaro (Nancy.DeGennaro@mtsu.edu)