At the Bear Pantry, we want to make every meal count! With many items available at the Bear Pantry, the options are endless.

To create a meal that is nutrient dense and diverse in food groups, we like to consider MyPlate as a guide. MyPlate is the federal government’s primary food group symbol. It was created to be a consumer-friendly guideline to help make healthy food choices.

Inclusion of food groups within the MyPlate guidelines:

Fruits

• Important sources of essential nutrients including potassium, dietary fiber, vitamin C, and folate.

Vegetables

• Important sources of potassium, dietary fiber, folate, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

Grains 

• Important sources of complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and several B vitamins.
• Carbohydrates are the body’s main and preferred source of energy. It helps fuel your brain, kidneys, heart muscles, and central nervous system.

Protein

• Protein is needed in the body to help repair cells and make new ones. Protein allows the body the ability to repair itself.

Dairy

• Dairy contains calcium, phosphorus, vitamin A, vitamin D, riboflavin, vitamin B12, protein, potassium, zinc, choline, magnesium, and selenium.
• Calcium helps the body strengthen bones and teeth.

When shopping at the Bear Pantry, try keeping in mind the aspects of the MyPlate guidelines to create a balanced meal with the options available. Peaches, pears, or mixed fruit from the pantry can fulfill the fruit group. Fresh vegetables grown at the Campus Community Garden or canned green beans, canned carrots, and canned peas can be added to your plate to provide a vegetable. Items like bread and rice can be used to incorporate a grain. Options found in the Bear Pantry include canned chicken and canned beans, which are great sources of protein. Lastly, milk and yogurt can be used to fulfill the needs of dairy products within the diet.

Begin making every meal count at the Bear Pantry today! The Bear Pantry is open on Mondays 10 am- 3 pm, Tuesdays 10 am – 3 pm, Wednesdays 12 pm – 5 pm, and Thursdays 10 am- 3 pm. It’s a resource for all MSU students, staff, and faculty.