Founded in 1993, the MSU Food Bank was the first collegiate food pantry in the nation to be run by students, for students. Today, students will experience easier access and more choices, thanks to the opening of the Spartan Shelf–Union location.
The Spartan Shelf–Union is a self-shop food pantry located in the basement of the MSU Union that expands the services of the existing MSU Student Food Bank and Basic Needs Program, which are both located inside Olin Health Center, operated under University Health and Wellbeing.
The new pantry at the MSU Union increases access by offering students more choice and extended hours that include evenings and weekends in an easier-to-access location in central campus location that allows students to shop for items that meet their needs in a low-barrier and welcoming environment. The Union location also offers free street parking after 6 p.m., making it easier for commuting students or those who may work during the day.
Spartan Shelf–Olin will remain open and continue to offer quick pick-up grocery options for those who prefer or need to access food in under 15 minutes. By providing both a self-shop experience and a faster pick-up model, the program ensures that these resources are inclusive, flexible and responsive to the diverse ways students live and learn.
“Our goal is to normalize the use of food and basic needs support,” said Jaimie Hutchison, associate director of engagement with University Health and Wellbeing. “For students balancing class, work and other responsibilities, having a flexible and familiar space like the Union is essential and helps reduce barriers and brings basic needs support into students’ daily routines.”
According to the Hope Center’s national 2023–2024 Student Basic Needs Survey Report, “Forty-one percent of college students reported experiencing some level of food insecurity.” At MSU, the campus’s vast size and limited nearby grocery options can make it challenging for students to access the food they need. For those moving from residence halls to off-campus living, the added expenses of rent, transportation and daily necessities can create further challenges.
“Meeting students’ basic needs is foundational to their health, sense of belonging and ability to succeed at MSU,” said Alexis Travis, assistant provost and assistant vice president for University Health and Wellbeing. “Last year alone, the MSU Food Bank served more than 16,900 clients — a 40% increase in services over the past five years. Expanding with Spartan Shelf–Union ensures we can meet this growing demand and provide a vital resource that supports every Spartan’s success.”
These initiatives also directly support the university’s goals around access, belonging and well-being. When basic needs are met, students are more likely to stay enrolled, maintain their health and fully participate in the campus community. Expanding services like the MSU Food Bank reflects MSU’s adoption of the Okanagan Charter in February 2025, which committed the university to fostering a campus culture that promotes health and well-being for all students, faculty and staff.
As someone deeply involved with the MSU Food Bank since its inception, Allyn Shaw, assistant vice president for student development and leadership and dean of students, has witnessed the impact of ensuring students’ basic needs are met. “Supporting students’ access to food and other essential resources is foundational to their success,” he said. “It’s also about creating an environment where students know these resources are available, flexible, and responsive to their needs so that everyone can access support with dignity.”
Faculty and staff at MSU also play an essential role in supporting the Spartan Shelf–Union and the broader MSU Food Bank and Basic Needs program. Promoting awareness among their students, donating items, organizing or participating in a food or basic needs drive, or volunteering their time are all tangible ways to better understand food insecurity and the challenges that students face. Even small actions, such as including information in a syllabus or sharing the information with colleagues, can help connect students with resources and demonstrate that their well-being is a shared campus priority.
The expanded Spartan Shelf network serves as a model for how campuses can respond to student needs with creativity, flexibility and care. MSU continues to adapt services and engage with its university community, fostering a culture where support, access and opportunity are integral to campus life.
