The Tiger Pantry, located in Room 275 of the University Center, provides free food and essential supplies to University of Memphis students once every seven days. Students can access canned goods, beverages, household items, basic toiletries, and feminine products by showing their student ID.
As the federal government shutdown continues, millions of Americans, including an estimated 150,000 people in the Memphis and Shelby County area, are expected to temporarily lose access to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, also known as food stamps. Local organizations are stepping up to help fill the gap, including the Tiger Pantry.
The pantry is operated by the Dean of Students office. Melissa Morgan, program and services coordinator, manages most of its day-to-day operations.
“We have about 150 to 200 visits a month. This number increased during covid and has stayed there ever since, said Morgan. “We are expecting at least a 50% increase this month because of the loss of SNAP benefits.”
The Dean of Students' office can meet with students and help them apply for SNAP benefits. To apply as a college student, you must work 20 hours per week, be enrolled at least half-time, and not receive over half your meals from a college meal plan. SNAP benefits have been paused as of Nov. 2 and are expected to remain unavailable until the government shutdown ends.
Outside campus, other food assistance options include the Mid-South Food Bank, FeedMemphis, and several local church pantries.
The city of Memphis is partnering with local food banks and organizations in the Memphis Cares initiative with the goal of making sure every Memphian has access to food in the upcoming months. They have pledged $500,000 to this mission and hope others will donate as well.
The Tiger Pantry relies entirely on donations, and several campus groups will be hosting food drives next week to help meet the growing demand.
“Anyone can give food or money to the pantry, and groups across campus usually do food drives to help us out,” Morgan said.
Over the next week, the University of Memphis library as well as the campus Baptist College Ministry are holding food drives where all the donations will be given to the Tiger Pantry. These will be critical to help cover the higher needs for the upcoming month.
Luke Lawson can be contacted at llawson6@memphis.edu.
