When the cafeteria doors close during campus breaks, many Milligan students—especially international students or those without access to a car—find themselves with limited meal options. Recognizing this gap, a group of students and faculty came together last year to start Milligan’s first student food pantry, now housed in the Gilliam Wellness Center.
The project began when Gabriel Logan, former Director of Student Success, joined forces with students Samantha Maldonado and Marcos Moreno. Maldonado, an international student at the time, noted that “access to transportation was a big barrier,”The first pantry trial run came during fall break 2024, when Hurricane Helene further complicated students’ access to meals. The team stocked the Wellness Center with non-perishables, fruits and vegetables. Nearly 50 students picked up food in just three days. A second trial in the spring semester drew another 50 students, confirming the need. By the end of the year, Logan estimated that as many as 80–90 students used the pantry.
The food pantry operates on a “no-questions-asked” policy. Any student—domestic or international—can take what they need. Currently, the pantry is funded through Goah with hopes of expanding into a full student resource center. Plans include offering not only food, but also essentials such as winter coats, toiletries and household items. Faculty have already shown interest in contributing, with some even offering to host students for meals during extended breaks.
How to Help:
- Donations of unopened food, snacks, toiletries, paper products and hygiene items are welcome.
- Drop-off is available at the Gilliam Wellness Center.
Looking ahead, organizers are in talks with Pioneer College Caterers (the cafeteria provider) about expanding meal service during breaks. But until then, the pantry stands as an essential safety net for students who would otherwise face food insecurity.
As Samantha put it, the goal is simple: “If you need food, you can access it.”
Cover Photo: Door to food pantry in Wellness Center (Photo Credit: Mollie Wainscott)
