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Donations Drives Support the Bear Pantry This November

November 14, 2025 by Natalie A. Clayton

LTC Donations

Donation drives are making a major impact on the Bear Pantry this November. 

Two separate events brought in 482 pounds of food—totaling 728 individual items—to be distributed to Bear Pantry members, strengthening food security on campus. 

During Halloween, nutrition and music Bears joined forces in a neighborhood-wide effort to support their campus community. Members of Mu Phi Epsilon and the Student Dietetic Association (SDA) partnered to build a bridge between the Rountree neighborhood and Missouri State University. 

The week before Halloween, students went door to door informing residents about the donation drive, giving them time to gather items. On Halloween night, 25 students took to the streets, greeted by smiling faces and generous hands as dozens of Rountree residents contributed food to help fellow Bears.

Trick or Soup Donations

 

With the same spirit of generosity, the Laboratory Theatre Company (LTC) hosted a donation drive during their showing of Out!, written by MSU alum Arden Dickson. The production—focused on college student experiences—was paired with a meaningful opportunity to give back. For every performance, LTC partners with a local nonprofit to promote community engagement and social impact. 

LTC Donations

Together, these collaborative efforts resulted in nutritious food going into the hands of Bear Pantry members, reinforcing the ongoing commitment of Missouri State students to support one another through service and compassion. 

Want to make an impact too? The Office of Enrollment Management is hosting a campus-wide donation drive, “Bears Can-Do”, to support food security amidst the growing challenges individuals are facing. Check out their blog to get involved. 

The Bear Pantry extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who has donated. Your collaboration embodies what it means to be a Bear—supporting one another through action and compassion. 

Filed Under: donation Tagged With: #bearpantry, #donationdrive, #missouristateuniversity

Community Partners

March 3, 2025 by Samantha G. Selsor

Hello everyone and happy March!

The spring semester is going quickly—almost halfway through! In this month’s blog post, we are going to learn about community partners. Bear Pantry benefits from donors and our community partners, including Ozarks Food Harvest, Amanda Belle’s Farm, and the MSU Campus Garden. Let’s take a look at these important organizations and the work they do!

Ozarks Food Harvest

Ozarks Food Harvest (OFH) is a food bank located in Southwest Missouri, serving 270 hunger relief agencies in 28 surrounding counties1. Currently, there are many programs offered through OFH, including2:

  • Weekend Backpack Program
  • After-School Food
  • Summer Food
  • Senior Food Boxes
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP)
  • Full Circle Gardens

We are supported by OFH through:

  • Weekly deliveries or pick-ups (this is our main source of food)
  • Purchased and donated product (product in orders is split between purchased and donated product, which is the reason our product is ever changing)
  • Impact ($1.93 = 1 pound of food, so our money goes further spending donor dollars at OFH)

Food Bank vs. Food Pantry

What is the difference between a food bank and a food pantry? A food bank has a large supply of food (similar to a bank having a large supply of money). A food pantry distributes portions of that food (similar to getting a withdrawal of money from your bank account and spending that). Ozarks Food Harvest is a food bank and the Bear Pantry is a food pantry!

Springfield Community Gardens

Springfield Community Gardens is a non-profit that has 16 community gardens, 3 urban farms, a community food forest, and test kitchen within the Springfield area3. Amanda Belle’s Farm and the Missouri State University Campus Garden are both part of Springfield Community Gardens.

Amanda Belle’s Farm

In collaboration with Cox Health, Amanda Belle’s Farm sits on a plot of land just between Cox South and Kickapoo High School. The main program offered through Amanda Belle’s is their CSA (or Community Supported Agriculture) boxes. These are available for purchase by Cox Health employees for weekly pickup during the growing season. Community Supported Agriculture is “a community of individuals who pledge support to a farm operation so that the farmland becomes, either legally or inspirit, the community’s farm; with the growers and consumers providing mutual support and sharing the risks and benefits of food production” according to the United State Department of Agriculture (or USDA).4

So, how does the CSA program benefit Bear Pantry? Well, each week, all boxes that have not been claimed by the end of the pick-up window by Cox Health employees are available for Bear Pantry. The amount and type of produce varies weekly and the product from the boxes supplies our Friday “Produce Pop-Ups”. 

Missouri State University Campus Garden

Last, but certainly not least, the MSU Campus Garden is a great supporter of the Bear Pantry, providing fresh produce during the growing season. Campus Garden is supported by the Sustainability Commission through Student Government Association (SGA). It is located just across Grand Street from the main campus (street address is on Normal Street). The garden welcomes volunteers for harvesting during the growing season. More information here: get involved with campus garden!  

Those are a few of our community partners. Donors, along with community partners, are a large reason we are able to serve the campus community. We value all supporters of the Bear Pantry! 

 

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   

 

Resources: 

  1. Ozarks Food Harvest. (n.d.). About us. Ozarks Food Harvest. Retrieved February 24, 2025, from https://ozarksfoodharvest.org/about/.  
  2. Ozarks Food Harvest. (n.d.). Member agencies. Ozarks Food harvest. Retrieved February 24, 2025, from https://ozarksfoodharvest.org/about/our-network/member-agencies/.  
  3. Springfield Community Gardens. (n.d.). Our local community gardens. Springfield Community Gardens. Retrieved February 24, 2025, from https://www.springfieldcommunitygardens.org/gardens. 
  4. U.S. Department of Agriculture. (n.d.). Community supported agriculture. National Agricultural Library. Retrieved February 25, 2025, from https://www.nal.usda.gov/farms-and-agricultural-production-systems/community-supported-agriculture.
  5. Missouri State University. (n.d.). Campus garden. Missouri State University. Retrieved February 25, 2025, from https://www.missouristate.edu/Sustainability/campus-garden.htm. 

 

Filed Under: donation

November Blog Post – Donation Drives

November 1, 2024 by Samantha G. Selsor

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. 

Filed Under: donation Tagged With: Bear Pantry, Community Engagement, Volunteer

October Blog Post – Bear Pantry

October 1, 2024 by Samantha G. Selsor

Happy Fall Bears!

We are officially in the swing of the semester (7 weeks in—can you believe it?). Hope everyone has had a great start to the fall semester and are excited for the coming weeks.

We’ve been busy here in the Bear Pantry and have so many updates!

Exciting Updates

Due to increased popularity and listening to student feedback, we are beginning to stock more grab-and-go snack foods. Additionally, we are trialing an additional restock day of pantry staples!

Bear Pantry “pop-ups” are in the works as well! Right now, we have established the Bear Cub Pantry located in the Bear Claw in Meyer Library. Stop by there if you need a quick study snack!

Important Dates

  • Fall Break (October 10th and 11th): Bear Pantry closed for the long weekend.
  • Homecoming (October 13th-19th): Yay Homecoming! Be sure to check out the homecoming activities and get involved! Bear Pantry is participating in the Donation Drive (see below).
  • SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) Tabling (October 17th): We had a great turnout for our first two MU Extension SNAP tabling events. If you haven’t been able to make it, check out additional information provided below.

Homecoming Donation Drive

There are many traditions related to Homecoming, but the Donation Drive is my favorite! This year’s donation drive will benefit both the Center for Community Engagement (Bear Pantry) and Multicultural Resource Center (MSU’s Transition Closet). 

For the Bear Pantry, this is a canned food drive, and the weight of canned goods donated will correspond to the number of points received.  

Specific guidelines for acceptable donation items can be found within the Student Engagement Homecoming 2024 document.  

Items needed:  

  • Canned pasta sauce 
  • Canned soups 
  • Canned vegetables 
  • Canned beans 
  • Canned fruit
  • Canned tuna 
  • Canned chicken 
  • And any other foods in a can!

 The drive starts on Monday, October 14th at 1pm and ends Friday, October 18th at 2pm. Donations are accepted from 1pm-2pm each day! We are eagerly anticipating this event! 

MU Extension X Bear Pantry

We have an exciting partnership 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 monthly to learn more about this helpful program! 

Event details: Thursday, October 17th from 10AM-12PM in the Bear Pantry 

Volunteer Events

We have experienced successful volunteer events over the last few weeks and are looking for more ways to get students involved! This month, you can get involved by volunteering in the following events:  

  • Mondays: delivery and pickup days from Ozarks Food Harvest (OFH)  
    • 8:30-10:30am for delivery days  
    • 11am-1pm for pick-up days (time subject to change due to pick-up time availability)
  • Tuesday: hydroponics harvesting (dates TBD) 
    • 8-9am 
  • 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month: campus-wide donation bin collection  
    • 12-1pm 

Be sure to check our GivePulse for new events and sign up for volunteering. Details are provided for each volunteer event on the website. Link to GivePulse: https://www.givepulse.com/group/119561-Bear-Pantry 

Dietetic Interns

Did you know that Bear Pantry hosts MSU Dietetic Interns? Last month, we had Natalie Clayton and Chloe Terry come on their MSU week-long rotation. They created recipes and provided samples for members utilizing foods available in the pantry.  

Nutrition Corner

As a Nutrition and Dietetics student, nutrition is my passion! Nutrition Corner is our new digital platform for all things recipes, nutrition education information, how-to’s with products in the pantry, and everything in between! These recipes are tailored to ingredients that can be found in the pantry. Follow the link in our LinkTree to find the Nutrition Corner album. 

Always exciting here at the Bear Pantry! Come stop by and say hi! Do not 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 

Filed Under: donation Tagged With: Bear Pantry, Community Engagement, Volunteer

Service Events!

October 20, 2023 by Hollie S. Bickel

Hey Bears!

We have a couple upcoming volunteering activities! You can register via GivePulse.

Saturday, October 21st 9:30-11:30- Gardening @ Victory’s Shelter

Special Events Volunteer @ The Discovery Center

Volunteer @ The Salvation Army

Victim Center Advocate @ The Victim Center

Front Desk Volunteer @ The Kitchen Inc.

Saturday November 11th- Ruck N Run Bear Service Day @6:15 AM (QR code below

Image preview

 

Filed Under: donation Tagged With: Service Learning, Volunteer

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