Food Pantry Feature: Falcon Food Pantry

Food insecurity on college campuses is often invisible, but at Bowling Green State University it’s being addressed in a real and practical way. Since opening in March 2022, the Falcon Food Pantry has become an important resource for students, faculty, and staff who are facing financial challenges and just need a little extra support.

AmpleHarvest.org is highlighting food pantries like this to show what hunger actually looks like in our communities and how simple actions, like donating extra garden produce, can make a big difference. When local growers share their surplus, it helps make sure fresh food goes to people who need it instead of going to waste.

In this Q&A, the Falcon Food Pantry team talks about why they started, how they operate, and the impact they’re seeing every day. Their story is also a reminder that anyone can get involved, whether that means donating extra produce, volunteering, or simply helping spread the word.

Interested in having your food pantry featured? Contact [email protected]

• What is the name of your food pantry. Where are your located and when did it open?

  • The Falcon Food Pantry is located at Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio. The pantry opened in March of 2022 to address food insecurity among students, staff and faculty. The pantry focuses on reducing barriers to access and providing food in a way that preserves dignity and choice.

• Why was this pantry created, and who does it serve?

  • Food insecurity among college students is a growing concern nationwide. Many students face financial hardships that make it difficult to afford consistent, nutritious meals. Research shows that food insecurity can negatively impact academic performance, mental and physical health, and overall student success. According to national studies, approximately 30-40% of college students experience some level of food insecurity during their academic careersAccording to national studies, approximately 30-40% of college students experience some level of food insecurity during their academic careers.
  • At Bowling Green State University (BGSU), the Falcon Food Pantry was established to ensure that no student has to choose between paying for tuition and having access to food. By providing free, nutritious food to students, we support their well-being and academic success, helping them stay focused on their education without the added stress of food insecurity.
  • The pantry embraces a three pronged mission of teaching, research and service. We work with students and faculty on research projects and do a lot of teaching about pantry management and food insecurity.

• About how many people use the pantry over the course of a year?

  • Approximately 1,300 students use the pantry every month. The Falcon Food Pantry operates on a model of dignity and accessibility. Any BGSU student (or faculty or staff) in need can visit the pantry to receive food without proof of income or eligibility requirements. The pantry is stocked with a variety of nonperishable and fresh food items, as well as hygiene products and household essentials.

• How often is the pantry open, and what does a typical visit look like?

  • The pantry is open 3 days a week. The pantry is run by a team including the Director (Dr. Shannon Orr – a political science professor), a Graduate Assistant from the Master of Public Administration program and 20 undergraduate student interns. Students are able to shop for a free bag of groceries and hygiene items once a week. No proof of need is required. Items available include shelf stable food (pasta, soup etc…), fridge items (eggs, milk etc…) and frozen food (such as meat). In addition, the pantry receives donations of bread products from Einstein Bros and Panera every week. In a partnership with the on campus dining, a former intern created a food recovery program called “Feed More, Waste Less” where untouched food from the cafeteria is packaged and frozen and brought to the pantry as frozen meals for students to take. We also have produce available, and during the growing season here in Ohio we have fresh produce from our community garden which is part of the food pantry. We also stock hygiene items and diapers.

• Do clients have access to fresh fruits and vegetables, and why is fresh food important to those you serve?

  • 

    The BGSU Community Garden run by the Falcon Food Pantry

    Fresh food is so important for our clients! We love being able to provide fresh produce. Anyone on campus or in the community is also welcome to pick from our community garden which is one of the largest in the region featuring 10 raised beds. Last year our produce even won first and second place at the county fair.

• Is there a common misconception about food pantries that you wish people understood better?

  • We often hear from people that student food insecurity doesn’t exist. We see the reality every day at the pantry:
    • A student who has no one to co-sign for a loan and is struggling to pay the bills and tuitions
    • Students with no family safety net
    • International students who are not eligible for loans or many sources of funding and are limited in their ability to work by the student visa
    • An unexpectedly challenging semester means a student has to make a choice between studying to keep up their grades and working long hours
    • Unexpected school expenses such as textbooks or lab fees that cause a student to cut back on groceries to save money.
    • Students who run out of their meal plan money before the end of semester and can’t ask their families for financial help.

• Do you have a meaningful or inspirational story you can share from a client, volunteer, or donor experience?

  • We have so many meaningful stories to share. One student came to us to say that she was about to graduate and wanted to thank the food pantry because she had been in an abusive relationship and the only way she could escape was to sleep on a friend’s couch and get food from the pantry. Another student athlete thanked us because he was only on a partial scholarship, came from a low income family and was unable to work because of the demands of athletics – most of his food was coming from the pantry. We have hundreds of stories like this.

• How did you first connect with AmpleHarvest.org?

  • We connected with AmpleHarvest.org as a way to expand our reach.

• What impact do donations from local gardeners have on your work?

  • Every season we get donations from local gardeners and farmers. We appreciate people sharing their excess with us – we definitely get a lot of zucchinis in the summer!

The story of the Falcon Food Pantry is a powerful reminder that hunger can affect anyone, including hardworking college students doing everything they can to succeed. Thanks to partnerships with organizations like AmpleHarvest.org and the generosity of local gardeners, fresh food and support are reaching students who need it most. If you grow extra produce, know a pantry in your area, or simply want to make a difference, this is your invitation to get involved. A few extra tomatoes, a bag of zucchini, or a small act of kindness can help a student stay focused on their future.