It's the university's second campus food bank. The previous location, located in the Olin Health Center, had 17,000 participants in 2024, according to University Health and Wellbeing, the unit responsible for the projects. The university expects that the new location will lead to even more participants in coming years, according to a press release.

Staff member Diego Thompson explained the process of which students can utilize the food bank. Students first make an appointment and come at their designated time. Then, they select their desired food items, get it weighed by the staff to calculate the amount of food the student is taking, and then the student is able to take their food with them at no cost. Students are able to come in weekly to shop.

While Olin’s food bank provides pre-selected food to offer to students, what sets the Union location apart is the self-selection of food to give students more freedom to choose what they are in most need of. The Union location also offers occasional walk-ins with extended hours. 

“It feels like a mini grocery shop and it's nice and cozy and compact as well,” said Ruchika Gupta, a PhD student in computer science. Gupta was pleased with her experience shopping at the new location, expressing how the food bank gives students an opportunity to acquire a variety of healthy food at their own selection–as well as other kitchen supplies while saving money.

An objective of building this new location is to cut down on the monthly expenses of participants by 30 to 50 percent, according to Thompson. 

The university partners with the Greater Lansing Food Bank to provide food essentials for students. Through their donations, Spartan Shelf is able to provide the food they have on their shelves. 

Sarah Cruz, a graduate student in social work, works as an intern in both locations. Cruz described her work as “making sure people have the essentials of what they need to be successful.”

Another intern in social work, senior Zuriel Phillips, said what makes the food bank unique is the extended selection of food items, extending from produce to candy items. Giving participants diverse options is part of what separates MSU Food Bank from others, she said.

Staff and Interns encouraged students to utilize this resource, and to not turn away because of students’ preconceived notion of not being disadvantaged enough. Phillips hoped students will check if they fit under the requirements to shop there, noting that the majority of students do fall under the financial requirement, which is making under $46,000 annually. 

“It’s always a nice option to utilize the food bank as a resource to be able to have money to put towards your books or other things you need as a student,” Phillips said.