Bemidji State University Football is excited to team up with Bucky’s Cupboard and the Hobson Memorial Union to host a food and hygiene supply drive during the team’s home opener on August 29. Food and personal hygiene products donated during this event will be made available at Bucky’s Cupboard for Bemidji State Students struggling with food insecurity.

Fans attending Bemidji State’s football game against Michigan Tech University will be able to drop off food and hygiene products at the front gate prior to entering the stadium. Community members not attending the game are also welcome to drop off items at the gate or bring them to the Hobson Memorial Union information desk at any time throughout the school year. These items collected will be brought to Bucky’s Cupboard and be available for BSU students to take throughout the year.

Suggested donation items include:

Food items
Macaroni and cheese
Soup
Ramen noodles
Pasta
Rice
Boxed meals
Microwavable meals
Granola bars
Canned foods
Cereal and breakfast items
Canned proteins (chicken, tuna, etc.)
Bottled water

Personal hygiene products
Shampoo and conditioner
Toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss
Deodorant/antiperspirant
Hand sanitizer
Feminine hygiene products (tampons, pads, liners)
Body wash/soap
Razors
Lotion

“Our community is our strength, both as a greater Bemidji community and on campus,” said Bemidji State Athletic Director Britt Lauritsen. “Our coaches and staff work to instill in our student-athletes the value of service to others as a part of their holistic experience at Bemidji State.”

Since Bucky’s Cupboard Student Food Pantry was established in March 2020 and with more than three semesters of primarily online learning and little student foot traffic, the pantry has logged around 2,000 visits. About 20% of the logs were first time users. Another 40% of the logs were for students visiting between 2-10 times. The other 40% were students who use the pantry on a regular basis. During the 2023-2024 academic year, it logged more than 900 visits, nearly doubling pantry usage in one academic year. Awareness of the pantry and need have increased significantly in the last year, clearly demonstrating a need for this service on the Bemidji State campus.

Lauritsen says, “To be able to be a part of the solution for something as integral to our students as Bucky’s Pantry is a natural extension of the power of sport. It is a privilege to be able to partner with the incredible advocates all across campus for Bucky’s Pantry while we kick off our athletic calendar. We hope that all our fans will participate and get this pantry stocked for fall!”