Food insecurity and insufficient basic necessities pose significant challenges for many college students striving to earn their degrees. To combat this problem, Mississippi State University’s Division of Student Affairs and the Student Association established Bully’s Pantry, an on-campus facility that provides students with food and necessary supplies. In a groundbreaking move, the local Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity chapter at MSU has made the largest gift ever from a student organization to Bully’s Pantry, bolstering its impact. This pivotal gift guarantees that more students can access vital food and resources, supporting their success in college.

The local fraternity’s efforts align with the national organization’s mission to combat food insecurity. Since partnering with Feeding America in 2013, the organization has worked tirelessly to address hunger nationwide. When Starkville’s Feeding America chapter closed, MSU’s Lambda Chi Alpha chapter shifted its focus to Bully’s Pantry to continue supporting the local community. Over the past two years, the fraternity has been a committed partner, helping the pantry expand its reach and better serve MSU students.

Local sponsors and various student organizations assisted Lambda Chi Alpha in raising its significant gift. This year, the fraternity partnered with 10 local sponsors, including the Mexican restaurant Uno Mas and the tea shop Starr Nutrition. Both participated in different fundraising events, most notably the fraternity’s flagship event, Watermelon Fest. This event invited sororities to provide food and resources as entry fees for a week of games and competitions on campus. Proceeds from these events directly benefited Bully’s Pantry.

“Lambda Chi’s entire chapter is motivated to do what we can to help. We are very proud of the aid we were able to give Bully’s Pantry this year, but we could not have done it without the help of sororities like Alpha Delta Pi and our generous local sponsors,” said Braydan Ballard, Lambda Chi Alpha’s external vice president in charge of the local chapter’s philanthropy initiatives.

Food insecurity continues to be a critical issue for college students nationwide. A national survey conducted by Temple University’s Hope Center found that approximately 30% of all college students experience food insecurity of some form. At MSU since 2020, more than 480 students, on average, have depended on resources like Bully’s Pantry each year to access food and essential items. While Lambda Chi Alpha’s philanthropic efforts are significant, tackling food insecurity on campus requires sustained effort involving MSU alumni, friends and other campus organizations.

Regina Young Hyatt, MSU’s vice president for student affairs and a pivotal figure in establishing Bully’s Pantry, praised the fraternity’s gift and explained the ongoing need for community support.

“I am incredibly grateful to Lambda Chi for taking on Bully’s Pantry as their philanthropy. We rely on the support of student organizations, alumni and friends to provide monetary and in-kind gifts that directly support Bully’s Pantry. Without this support, we lack the financial resources to sustain the day-to-day operations of the pantry. Gifts and the philanthropy of student organizations ensure every student has what they need to succeed,” Hyatt said.

The fraternity’s landmark gift is just the beginning of its commitment to fighting food insecurity. Ballard and the MSU chapter plan to grow their support for Bully’s Pantry over the next five years, ensuring no student at MSU goes without essential resources.

“Someone will always need help, no matter where you go. Our entire chapter is motivated to gather more sponsors and continue supporting Bully’s Pantry in aiding our classmates,” Ballard said.

Lambda Chi Alpha’s dedication to addressing food insecurity reflects the values of service and community at the heart of MSU’s mission. By rallying fellow students, sponsors and campus leaders, the fraternity is paving the way for a stronger, more supportive Bulldog community.