Happy November!

The fall semester seems to be flying by (and with fall comes lots of donation drives). What is a donation drive? It is an event where individuals and groups (such as student organizations) donate money or non-perishable goods to non-profits (like the Bear Pantry).

Homecoming Donation Drive 

We just had a successful MSU Homecoming Donation Drive in which student organizations provided over 23,228 pounds of food (non-perishable items) for the Bear Pantry and Ozarks Food Harvest! That equates to more than 19,000 meals. This would not have been possible without the generosity of the student organizations and donors. These items will benefit so many people both on campus and throughout the community—the pantry is well-stocked and ready for members to shop.

Upcoming Donation Drives

Didn’t get to participate in the fun of the Homecoming Donation Drive? Good news! We have more drives coming up throughout the rest of the semester!

Mager’s Health and Wellness Center Spice Drive

• Date(s): November 4th-22nd
• Items Accepted: Standard size spice containers (i.e., no Sam’s Club or Costco sizes) of any spices.
  • Pantry member requests:
    • Clover
    • Curry Powder
    • Garam Masala
    • Ground All Spice
    • Ground Nutmeg
    • Ground Turmeric
    • Ground Ginger
    • Peppercorn Grinder (Medley)
    • Ground Cinnamon
    • Mustard Seed
    • Ground Coriander
    • Garlic Powder
    • Onion Powder
• Location: Mager’s Health and Wellness Center
• Additional Information: All spices to be taken to Mager’s Health and Wellness Center. Bins will be designated for the drive. All products will benefit the Bear Pantry.

Eta Sigma Delta and Culinary/Baking Club 

• Date(s): November 11th – 22nd   
• Location: Bins in Karls Hall and Pummill Hall 
• Items Accepted:  
  • Pastas (including gluten-free) 
  • Pasta sauce 
  • Canned soups 
  • Canned vegetables and fruit 
  • Canned or dried beans 
  • Peanut butter and jelly 
  • Canned tuna and chicken 
  • Snack items (chips, trail mix, granola bars) 
  • Personal Hygiene items: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.
  • Feminine hygiene products 
  • Paper products: paper towels, toilet paper, trash bags, paper plates, etc. 
  • Household items (detergent, soap, etc.) 
• Additional Information: Bins will be located in two campus halls (Karls and Pummill). Donations accepted any time during the dates specified above. All donations will benefit the Bear Pantry.

MSU Campus Garden Hygiene Item Drive

• Dates: November 11th – 22nd
• Location: Bear Pantry and MSU Campus Garden
• Items Accepted
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Bar Soap
  • Body Wash
  • Razors
  • Shaving Cream
  • Deodorant
  • Toothbrushes
  • Toothpaste
  • Mouthwash
  • Floss
  • Feminine Hygiene Items
    • Pads
    • Liners
    • Tampons

Donation Bins 

• Date(s): Anytime throughout the school year 
• Items Accepted: 
  • Pastas (including gluten-free) 
  • Pasta sauce 
  • Canned soups 
  • Canned vegetables and fruit 
  • Canned or dried beans 
  • Peanut butter and jelly 
  • Canned tuna and chicken 
  • Snack items (chips, trail mix, granola bars) 
  • Personal Hygiene items: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.
  • Feminine hygiene products 
  • Paper products: paper towels, toilet paper, trash bags, paper plates, etc. 
  • Household items (detergent, soap, etc.) 
• Location of Bins:
  • Cheek Hall (at information services, Cheek 164)  
  • Carrington Hall (at financial aid, Carrington 101)  
  • Blunt Hall (CNAS, Blunt 142) 
  • Foster Recreation Center (FRC main entrance)  
  • Meyer Library (veterans services, Meyer 108)  
  • Strong Hall (RCASH student success center, Strong 350)  
  • Glass Hall (information technology and cybersecurity, finance dept; Glass 359 and 300)  
  • MCHHS (KMPT 300 and 400; MCD 103) 
  • In late October – Greenwood Lab School (north entrance)  

• Additional Information: Donation bins are always available for donation of non-perishable items throughout the semester and are checked periodically by pantry staff. 

Important Dates  

• SNAP Tabling (November 14th, 2024, 10am-12pm) 
  • SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) Education with MU Extension  
    • The Bear Pantry has a  partnership starting with MU Extension to bring SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits and resources to our students. Each month, we will have a Nutrition Program Associate from MU Extension tabling to provide resources to students regarding SNAP benefits (including application assistance)! 
    • Join us in the Bear Pantry to learn more about this helpful program! This month’s event is scheduled for Thursday, November 14th from 10AM-12PM. 

• Thanksgiving Break (November 25th-29th)  
  • Bear Pantry closed—enjoy your break with friends and family (and good food)! 

Don’t forget to follow us on social media! 

Instagram: @mostatebearpantry & @mostatecce 

TikTok: @bearpantry 

Like us on Facebook: Bear Pantry  

YouTube: @mostatebearpantry  

LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/bearpantrymsu  

 

***If you would like to participate in a donation drive (or have a donation that you would like to make separate from the drives listed above), please contact Samantha Selsor (sgs823@live.missouristate.edu) with questions.