Located in Central Hall 109, the Falcon Food Pantry is a vital resource for Bowling Green State University (BGSU) students and community members facing food insecurity.
Stocked with shelf-stable foods, refrigerated items, hygiene products, and allergy-friendly options, the pantry provides free weekly groceries, emergency kits and more to the community, no proof of need required.
“Our goal is to make sure students never feel embarrassed about asking for help,” said intern Laura Brown. “Even the interns who work here also shop and use the pantry’s resources.”
The pantry is open Mondays and Thursdays from 12 to 3 p.m., and Wednesdays from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. First-time visitors complete a short registration, but afterward they only need to check in, no ID required.
For those who cannot make it during open hours, emergency meal kits are available at the Jerome Library, and special bags are delivered to residence halls for students who run out of meal swipes.
Beyond groceries, the pantry offers necessities such as toilet paper, toiletries, feminine hygiene products, baby food and diapers.
“We believe access to food, hygiene, and cleanliness shouldn’t be treated as a privilege,” Lia McMillian, a Falcon Food Pantry intern, said.
The pantry also partners with BGSU’s Community Garden, located near the Fine Arts Center. Seasonal produce like radishes, kale, basil, and tomatoes are harvested and shared directly to the pantry.
There are signs located in the garden to guide students on when to pick items, and updates are posted on social media. They can be found on Instagram @falcon_food_pantry.
Challenges remain, especially when donations or deliveries are delayed around holidays. “We rely heavily on donations, and sometimes we have to adjust quickly to make sure students still get the nutrition they need,” McMillian said.
Beyond campus, several local organizations also provide support. St. Thomas Food Pantry, located at 425 Thurstin St. is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5:30 pm, welcoming both donations and volunteers.
Bowling Green Christian Food Pantry, located at 530 Sandridge Rd. operates a drive-thru service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 5 to 6:30 p.m., with delivery available through United Way by calling the phone number 211. The Christian Food Pantry serves those in the Bowling Green school district on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and the second Thursday of each month.
Students and community members can help by donating unopened, unexpired food, volunteering or applying for internships.
“Every syllabus at BGSU includes information about the pantry,” Brown noted. “We want students to know this resource is here for them from day one.”
The Falcon Food Pantry continues to grow as an essential part of the BGSU community, working to fight food insecurity while building a culture of care and sustainability.
For more information: www.bgsu.edu/ffrc/falcon-food-pantry
