September is here—which means pumpkin spice lattes are officially back at Starbucks, but so is Hunger Action Month! 

Hunger Action Month, now in its 18th year, is a national campaign created by Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger-relief network. Its mission is simple yet powerful: to elevate voices, raise awareness, and drive change to end hunger in America. 

Right here in Springfield, food insecurity affects nearly 17% of our community, according to Feeding America’s 2023 Map the Meal Gap study. Food insecurity happens when individuals don’t have the resources to access enough nutritious food—and hunger is the direct and devastating result. 

Thankfully, several local programs are making a difference both on campus and throughout Springfield: 

• Bear Pantry – MSU’s campus food pantry.  

• Ozarks Food Harvest – Springfield’s largest food bank and the Bear Pantry’s main supplier.  

• Springfield Community Gardens – A network of gardens that increases access to fresh produce across the city. 

• Crosslines – The area’s largest food pantry, serving nearly 70,000 people each year. 

• Victory Mission – A faith-based organization providing emergency relief, long-term services, and more than 120 meals a day. 

• Salvation Army – Offers emergency relief and daily meals through the Front Line Feeding Program at Harbor House. 

• Well of Life – Located near campus, this pantry distributes food to the community twice a week. 

How YOU Can Take Action This Month 

Hunger Action Month is the perfect time to get involved. Here are a few simple but meaningful ways: 

• Advocate for change. Use your voice to shine a light on food insecurity. 

• Volunteer. Your time and service can make a lasting impact. 

• Host a donation drive. Choose a local organization to support and rally your community to contribute. 

Upcoming Events 

Stay tuned—don’t miss these important opportunities to take action and see what’s coming up on campus! 

• Family Weekend: September 19th-21st  

• • Missouri State is hosting a food drive to support the Bear Pantry. To contribute, bring items to any of the several donation bins across campus. Map is shown below. 

• Bear Pantry Food Drive in Hammons Student Center: October 3rd 

• • This food drive, hosted by former softball coach and current academic advisor Beth Perine, is accepting donations as fans gather at the Hammon’s Student Center and the Betty & Bobby Allison South Stadium to watch MSU volleyball, swim, and soccer events. 

• “Trick-or-Soup” Halloween Food Drive: October 31st  

• • Missouri State’s Mu Phi Epsilon and Student Dietetic Association are teaming up this Halloween for a food drive with a twist—trick-or-treating for canned goods instead of candy. Mu Phi Epsilon has supported the Bear Pantry with this tradition since 2008, and this marks SDA’s second year joining the effort.