Bulldog in a shopping cart

Food insecurity has proven to be a quiet and lesser-known issue, yet an increasingly
common trend on college campuses across the country. With the opening of the Bulldog
Food and Resource Center, the SWOSU community wants to make the message come across
loud and clear to those in need: help is here.

Thanks to their efforts and the collaboration of multiple departments across campus,
SWOSU joins hundreds of college campuses working to provide meal solutions for students
on campus in need.

“We are here to help with any food insecurities students may face. We hope to always
offer access to all students to enough food for an active, healthy life,“ Susan Ellis,
the Bulldog Food and Resource Center Director said. “Students should not have to decide
between buying a book or buying food for the weekend. That is the purpose of this
pantry.”

The Bulldog Food and Resource Center is open Monday 8:00-12:00 pm, Wednesday 1:00-4:00
pm, and Friday 8:00-12:00 pm.

The Bulldog Food and Resource Center is open to ALL SWOSU students! This service has
no requirements other than bringing your Student ID and leaving with food. Our goal
is for all students to have enough food throughout the semester.

“I want every person on this campus to hear that we are here for you,” Robert Nikkel,
Coordinator said. “Your community has your back. We are here to support you.”

Bulldog standing by sign in wellness center that says: STRUGGLING WITH GROCERIES OR ESSENTIALS? 1in3 COLLEGE STUDENTS REPORT EXPERIENCING FOOD INSECURITY. The Bulldog Food and Resource Center is. committed to helping SWOSU students by offering food, personal hygiene items, and school supplies. Our services aim to help students meet their basic needs and focus on their studies. Visit us for the support and resources you need to succeed. OPEN TO ALL SWOSU STUDENTS LOCATED IN THE WELLNESS CENTER. HOURS OF OPERATION MONDAY 8:00 - 12:00 P.M. WEDNESDAY 1:00-4:00 PM. FRIDAY 8:00-12:00 P.M. CLOSED WHEN THE CAMPUS IS CLOSED. BRING YOUR STUDENT ID

Food Insecurity. What it means & who it affects.

Bulldog holding food standing with two people.

Bulldog standing in pantry holding food

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I donate?

Drop your items off at the Wellness Center.

Food: Undamaged canned, boxed, dried foods, formula, baby food.

Non-food: Tolietry items, feminine hygiene products, cleaning supplies, diapers.

How often can I visit the Pantry?

A SWOSU student can visit the pantry once per week.

Who can receive assistance from the Food Pantry?

Any current student with a current student ID.

How much food can a person receive from the Food Pantry?

Recommended guidelines are in the Bulldog Food Pantry and are based on family size.

Can I donate non-food items?

We are currently accepting toiletry items, feminine hygiene products, cleaning supplies
and diapers.

What we need the most

Canned chicken, tuna and ham or hearty, ready-to-go meals like beef stew and chili
with meat.

Canned vegetables: Potatoes, collard greens, beans, carrots, spinach or peas (especially
varieties with no salt added)

Canned fruit and individual fruit cups

Canned tomatoes & pasta sauce

Shelf stable milk and alternatives (rice, soy, etc.)

Snack items like juice boxes, applesauce containers, granola bars

Single serve macaroni & cheese

Low-sugar cereal like plain Cheerios

Peanut or other nut butter, especially crunchy

Instant oatmeal, instant grits

Whole grain pasta, brown rice and quinoa

Biscuit or baking mixes (that only require water)

What we cannot use

Perishable foods

Expired food

Food without a label

Homemade food

Food or packaging that’s falling apart or damaged