By Yarianna Rangel*
Food insecurity remains a growing challenge on college campuses across the United States. Many students balance tuition, housing, transportation, and daily living costs while trying to succeed academically. At Auburn University, the Campus Food Pantry plays an important role in helping students and members of the campus community access essential food and basic necessities.
Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with Sarah Rhodes (GA Campus Food Pantry), who helps manage the pantry, to learn more about its mission, impact, and future.
The Campus Food Pantry was established in 2012 to address food insecurity among students. Since then, it has grown significantly as more people on campus have become aware of the resource.
The mission is simple but important: to ensure that Auburn students who are experiencing food insecurity have reliable access to food and essential items.
The pantry offers a wide variety of food and essential items to support those in need. Available items include:
- Shelf-stable foods such as rice and beans
- Fresh vegetables and produce
- Cheese and refrigerated foods
- Cereal and granola bars
- Single-serve items that students can take on the go
- Hygiene and personal care items such as toiletries
Students can visit the pantry twice per month, and each visit allows them to select up to 15 items. To use the pantry, individuals simply complete a brief eligibility form, and they must be currently enrolled at Auburn University.
While the pantry is open to students, faculty, and staff, a large portion of the people who use the pantry are graduate students. Many graduate students face financial challenges while balancing academic responsibilities, research, and sometimes family obligations. The demand for the pantry has steadily increased, with around 600 visits each month. Many students who rely on the pantry face common challenges, including:
- Managing expenses while studying full-time
- Limited time to work due to academic commitments
- Graduate stipends that may not fully cover living costs
- Supporting family members while enrolled in school
The pantry operates largely through donations and community support. Donations are received in Campus Food Pantry in Lupton Hall (Monday-Friday, 7:45 a.m.-4:45 p.m.). Funding and food supplies come from:
- Individual donations
- Campus food drives
- Partnerships with campus organizations and athletics
- Contributions from student groups such as service fraternities
Volunteer support is also essential. Students and community members can sign up through GivePulse to help with pantry operations. Volunteer shifts are held every Thursday from 2:30 to 4:30 PM.
The pantry also contributes to a more sustainable campus community. One initiative involves receiving excess food from campus dining services, helping reduce food waste while redistributing meals to students who need them. Additionally, the pantry focuses on recycling cardboard and plastic packaging, reinforcing Auburn’s sustainability efforts. These practices demonstrate how addressing food insecurity and reducing waste can go hand in hand.
One of the biggest challenges in addressing food insecurity is stigma. Many students hesitate to ask for help, even when they need it. Sarah Rhodes shared that one of the most rewarding aspects of managing the pantry is seeing how dedicated volunteers work to reduce students’ worries about having enough food. The goal is to create an environment where people feel comfortable seeking support.
Her message to students is simple:
“This resource is here for you as a student. There is nothing wrong with asking for help. If you need support, come talk to us.”
Looking to the future, the pantry’s main goal is to continue providing consistent access to food for the Auburn community. The vision is clear: to ensure that every student at Auburn knows there is a place they can turn to when they need support.
If you are part of the Auburn community, there are several ways to get involved:
- Donate food or hygiene products
- Participate in campus food drives
- Help raise awareness of food insecurity
- Sign up for the Hunger Solutions Institute newsletter. Also, students could consider getting the Minor in Hunger Studies.
Some of the most needed items include:
- Toiletries and hygiene products
- Granola bars and cereal
- Single-serve food items for on the go
College should be a time for learning, growth, and opportunity, not worrying about where your next meal will come from. The Auburn Campus Food Pantry shows how a supportive campus community can come together to ensure students have the resources they need to succeed.
By continuing to support initiatives like this, Auburn is helping build a more equitable, compassionate, and sustainable campus.
Yarianna Rangel is the office’s Program Coordinator.
