Nestled in the EHE Office of Undergraduate Education is a room, nicknamed the “Harry Potter Closet,” that is on the front lines of a nationwide battle to fight college student food insecurity.
A collaboration between the college and Advocates for Communities and Education Scholars, a university student program, the pantry provides hygiene kits and nonperishable food items — up to 10 per visit — for Ohio State students.
“I thought it was an amazing idea because I remember being a freshman, sophomore student, and just like, ‘Where am I going to find food until my meal plan kicks in?’” Shawn Sheridan, the ACES program manager, said.
Food pantries are particularly needed when college dining halls close for breaks, and for students who live off campus and struggle to pay high rent, security deposits and other expenses. And because community pantries can be inaccessible to students, or limit the number of visits they can make, having resources on campus is critical.
According to a 2020 study, an estimated 30-40% of college students nationwide experience food insecurity — a statistic that has worsened with high inflation and increased food prices. Students from underrepresented groups, lower-income households and first-generation students are most at risk. These students are 42% less likely to graduate and more likely to experience nutritional issues.
The food pantry, stocked by ACES volunteers and staffed by college personnel, aims to combat food insecurity at Ohio State with donated food and hygiene items and by connecting students with various support programs.
“One of our biggest components of ACES is community service,” Sheridan said. “We are (sensitive to needs of) individuals that need food, hygiene products, things of that nature — some of whom are right on campus.”
Rising food costs and the COVID-19 pandemic have led to an unprecedented demand on food banks and pantries. In 2023, the Mid-Ohio Food Collective saw a 40% increase in visits over last year at its 680 member agencies. At the college level, the main barriers to a successful food pantry include awareness and access — issues that on-campus locations help to solve.
“I felt like it was a non-intimidating environment instead of going to a huge food bank,” Alyssa Sharp, a 2023 graduate and former ACE Scholar, said. “I felt like it was cool to have a space to kind of give back to our community at Ohio State.”
Sheridan said the pantry is open to all students. ACES students hope to expand pantry operations and work to raise awareness and collaborate with local community partners.
“This is truly here as a resource for you,” Sheridan said. “I just want to make it more visible.”
The pantry is open from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Donations, critical to meet the growing needs of students, are encouraged and can be delivered to 172 Arps Hall or 100 PAES Building. Or donate through Amazon.
Donations needed
- Granola bars/cereal bars
- Individual cracker packages
- Fruit snacks and bars
- Canned fruit
- Boxed meals
- Peanut butter
- Rice
- Noodles
- Tuna, canned or pouches
- Boxed macaroni and cheese
- Soup
- Shelf-stable milk
- Cereal or oatmeal packets
- Toaster pastries
Order donations through ACES' Amazon Gift List. Amazon orders will be delivered to the ACES pantry.
