Story by Allison Boggan, Staff writer

Photo by Julie Boeker/The News

In 2014, Murray State  partnered with Need Line of Murray-Calloway County to create the Racers Helping Racers food pantry for students. The food pantry is a valuable resource for students struggling to afford food.

The pantry is located in Blackburn room 244 and is open to all students with a Murray State ID.  Students must complete a confidential application and no other questions are asked.

Trish Lofton, administrative assistant of the Curris Center, said many student organizations on campus have held food drives to help stock the food pantry shelves.

“They collect items such as individual packages of goods like macaroni and cheese, cereal bars and soups,” Lofton said.

Another way to help stock the pantry began at the start of the Fall 2017 semester. The University Parking Office implemented the Pay It Forward program. Through this program, anyone that receives an eligible citation can donate nonperishable food items in exchange for paying the fine. One citation per semester can be exchanged for a food donation.

Items must be brought to the Murray State Parking Office within 30 days of receiving the citation. Its website has a complete list of eligible citations, as well as appropriate food items.

Kaitlyn Clary, sophomore from Henderson, Kentucky, said she donates to every philanthropic drive that she sees advertised.

“I think the food pantry is a great resource that gives students one less thing to worry about,” Clary said. “Donating is such a simple gesture, and I wish more students could get involved.”

The fall and spring operating hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 

Students can come to the pantry and get food once a week. For more information call 270-809-4499.