For many Buffalo State College students, affording food can be a challenge, with tuition, rent, textbooks taking priority. A lot of students struggle to eat their next meals. Milligan’s Food Pantry, located on the fourth floor of the Campbell Student Union, provides free groceries to students in need.
Food insecurity among college students is not new to Buffalo State. A 2023 study by The Hope Center for Students Basic Needs from Temple University found that 41% of college students have food insecurity.
The pantry is named after Milligan’s, a restaurant in rural Illinois. Rev. Linda Harley-Mould, a supporter of Buffalo State, helped create the pantry after her father was struggling with food insecurity, while in school. This experience inspired the pantry’s name and its mission to support students through the pantry. Despite being on campus for years now many students are unaware of the pantry and how to access it.
Ashley Maracle, who oversees Milligan’s, said the pantry is meant to be accessible and available to everyone.
“We really want to create a space where students can come and ask any question,” Maracle said.
Here’s how to navigate the pantry:
1. The pantry hours are from Monday noon until 5 p.m. On Tuesday and Thursday it’s open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
2. Bring your Bengal ID. The pantry is open to both on campus and commuter students.
3. Bring a bag for groceries
4. Fill out the survey. This survey helps the pantry keep track of usage and secure donations
5. Shop within limits. Students are allowed to take items within the posted quantity guidelines
Diverse items are kept in the pantry from canned food, pasta, cereal, snacks, fresh produce, and a few hygiene items making sure that students have access to everyday essentials without the added financial stress.
All pantry items come from donations. Faculty, staff, alumni, and fellow students contribute whatever food and supplies they can throughout the year. These contributions are needed to make sure that Milligan’s continues to meet student needs and to stay open. Students are invited to use the pantry whenever they are open and are prompted to share about Milligan’s with fellow classmates who may benefit from these resources.
Hunger can seriously affect students’ academic performances, mental health and their overall college productivity. Students who worry about food end up struggling to focus on their studies or other responsibilities, making college life more challenging. Milligan’s focus is to ease that pressure of food by giving students a great resource where they can navigate college life on a budget.