Thursday November 6th 2025
THE LANTERN
Issue 11, Year 144
Ohio State’s independent student voice since 1881.
‘No person should be hungry:’ Where students can access food resources near campus amid federal funding cuts Mariam Abaza LTV Special Projects Producer
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mid uncertainties with federal food resource funding and budget cuts, variwe’ve diversified our supply chain to include increasing our request for commuous local organizations have stepped up to meet the needs of the Columbus nity support, and will continue to assist students for applying for government community. benefits for future use and link students to off campus resources like other local According to Ohio State’s 2024 Student Life survey, it is estimated that 32 food pantries for varied selection and multiple use.” percent of the student population is food The center aims to provide resources insecure, per prior Lantern reporting. to students so they can focus on their Though not all of these students qualify education, Vibbert said. for federal food assistance, food insecu“OSU students may struggle to succeed rity continues to significantly affect Ohio academically because essential needs, State students. such as food, housing or clothing, are not At the time of publication, the governmet,” Vibbert said. “The Monda Student ment has been in the longest shutdown Resource Center enhances students’ hoever-recorded of 36 days, according to listic, essential needs through resources the New York Times. The Supplemental and support from campus and communiNutrition Assistance Program, more ty partners.” commonly known as SNAP, benefits were The center’s food pantry is open Mongoing to be cut due to the shutdown, days from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesdays prior to a federal judge ruling that the and Wednesdays from 4 to 8 p.m. and government must partially fund the benThursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 efits until the government opens up. p.m. From statewide food pantries to comAnother resource on campus is the munity initiatives, there are many places ACES Food Pantry, offered by College of where students can access groceries and Education and Human Ecology and Admeals free of cost. vocates for Communities and Education Resources on campus Scholars program. The pantry offers free A woman browses items while in line at a Mid-Ohio Food Collective food food resources and hygiene kits for all The Monda Student Resource Center, bank. Credit: Courtesy of Mid-Ohio Food Collective. located on the first floor of the Younkin Ohio State students, according to their Success Center, offers free resources website. to help students meet essential needs such as food, clothing and housing. The Students can collect five items and a hygiene kit at each visit. The pantry is center’s Student Food Pantry provides fresh produce, pantry staples, meat and located in the A100 suite of the Physical Activity and Educational Services builddairy products, personal care items and more, according to its website. ing and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. “Our selection changes daily but always includes shelf stable and fresh grocery Resources off-campus in Columbus items, toiletries, and household items, and we do not limit the amount of times The Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio operates a food pantry on 1460 a student can place orders,” Morgan Vibbert, associate director of the Student S. Champion Ave. on Mondays from 4 to 6 p.m., Tuesdays through Thursdays Wellness Center, said in an email. from 1 to 4 p.m. and Fridays from noon to 2 p.m. Any student with a valid BuckID can request resources from the pantry The pantry accepts walk-ins during business hours. Students can also make through the ordering form located on the center’s website. appointments for larger orders on the services website. The center also offers aid in finding other avenues of food assistance if necessary. “We offer many resources and services for students to supplement cost of FOOD RESOURCES continue on page 3. living so they can prioritize their education,” Vibbert said. “For food assistance,