The FSU Student Food Pantry

More than 30% of college students will experience food insecurity at some point while they pursue their degree. The Ferris State Student Food Pantry exists to respond to that need in a supportive and non-judgemental way. There are many ways to access the resources the pantry provides:

1. Come shop at our main pantry- located at 628 S Warren Ave. Bring your student ID number and a reuseable bag if you have one. Students can pick up a full load of groceries two times a month. We are by appointment only during the summer, but we have standing hours during the school year. Check our social media pages for the most up-to-date hours

2. Shop our satellite pantry- located in the West Campus Housing office, it has fewer options, but is open whenever the office is and is very convenient for our West Campus families.

3. Just need something little to hold you over? Visit our snack pantry in the DEC. It tends toward convenience foods and snacks, but can act as a great stop gap in an emergency.

Wanna Help?

The Food Pantry would not be possible without the countless hands and hearts who help keep it running. There are so many ways to pitch in!

If you're a Ferris Student, you could...

Sign up to work a Food Pantry shift. It's easy, fun, and absolutely counts as volunteer hours!
Have your RSO or department host a drive- from canned goods to hygiene products, help us keep our pantry stocked by giving a little bit
Volunteer for a restock day- we do a massive restock once a month and we always need people and groups to help move, unload, and shelve it! Many hands make light work!

If you're not a Ferris Student, but still want to help...

Make a donation
Host a can, snack, or hygiene drive at your church or work place
Collect reusable bags
Contact us if you have other ideas!

The History of the Food Pantry

The Student Emergency Food Pantry was started by Ferris State University Alumni Olivia Johnson and Wesley House Director Devon Herrell. Olivia Johnson graduated Ferris State University with her B.A in Criminal Justice. Olivia Johnson was also a part of Wesley House, and in being active there, her passion for mission work and change is what sparked the idea of starting a food pantry. Going on mission trips to New York, and New Orleans inspired her to bring something back to Ferris States campus to keep the momentum going. After researching one of the campus downfalls she discovered was that some students can't afford a meal plan, or would have to choose between buying books or buying food for the semester. Olivia and Devon knew that there was a way to bridge the gap between hunger and higher education.

Both Devon and Olivia Spent a great deal of summer 2016 researching and writing grant proposals on how to get the food pantry started and funded. Through the grace of God, the Student Emergency Food Pantry was fully stocked and opened August 29, 2016. The food pantry can be found inside the Wesley House and is open Monday-Thursday for students.