For many Michigan State University students, balancing coursework, jobs and daily expenses can make accessing nutritious food a challenge. Spartan Shelf , located in Olin Health Center and the MSU Union, is a part of the MSU Food Bank and Basic Needs Program, which helps ensure students have reliable access to food and essential personal care items so they can focus on their education.
Food insecurity is a growing challenge on college campuses nationwide. According to the Hope Center for Student Basic Need’s 2023–24 survey report , 41% of college students experienced some level of food insecurity.
“At Spartan Shelf, we know that no one can thrive academically or personally when they’re worried about meeting their basic needs,” said Jaimie Hutchison, associate director of engagement at University Health and Well-Being. “Our goal is to reduce barriers so Spartans can focus on learning, growing and fully participating in the university community. Every order represents more than food or supplies — it represents dignity, belonging and the message that no one has to navigate these challenges alone.”
Meeting those needs requires more than good intentions — it requires action. MSU’s Food Bank and Basic Needs Program provides a practical solution for students facing food insecurity and other basic needs challenges. Founded in 1993, the program was the nation’s first student-run collegiate food pantry. Today, it continues to help students overcome barriers to success.
Driven in part by the opening of Spartan Shelf-Union in September 2025, the program fulfilled more than 14,000 orders last year — more than doubling its impact from the previous year. Volunteer hours and the amount of food provided also increased. As demand continues to rise, the MSU Food Bank and Basic Needs Program is equipped to support Spartans.
Eligible students, faculty, staff and scholars can visit Spartan Shelf once each week by appointment to receive fresh dairy products, produce, proteins, shelf-stable foods and personal hygiene items.
Hutchison said basic needs extend well beyond food. “A Spartan may have enough to eat but still struggle to afford shampoo, soap, laundry detergent, menstrual products, school supplies or other everyday essentials that many of us take for granted. These items are critical to health, dignity, confidence and success.”
This fall, the Spartan Well-Being Collective is launching a pilot program, funded by ASMSU, that expands access to reusable menstrual products for students through Spartan Shelf. By offering several no-cost, sustainable period care options, the initiative helps meet a basic health and well-being need while giving students the opportunity to choose the products that work best for them. The program also aims to reduce financial barriers and support environmental sustainability.
“Expanding access to reusable menstrual products reflects Michigan State University’s commitment to advancing health, well-being, sustainability and equity,” said Hutchison. “As a health-promoting university guided by the Okanagan Charter , we recognize that supporting basic needs and creating sustainable solutions go hand in hand.”
This fall, the MSU Food Bank and Basic Needs Program is equipped to support students who are navigating rising health insurance premiums or new work requirements under their Michigan Medicaid plans. The program plans to help ensure students are appropriately covered for their healthcare needs. Students who may need assistance with completing a MI Bridges application can connect with the program to receive one-on-one support from program staff.
For many students, Spartan Shelf provides far more than groceries — it provides peace of mind. By helping offset the cost of food and other essentials, the program allows students to put limited financial resources toward rent, textbooks, school supplies, health care and other expenses. Students say meeting these basic needs reduces stress, supports their physical and mental well-being, and gives them greater stability to focus on learning, research and achieving their goals.
Learn more about the MSU Food Bank and Basic Needs Program .
