NASHVILLE, Tenn. -
Tennessee State University recently opened a food pantry in an attempt to help students who can not afford to buy their own groceries.
The food panty, which opened last Wednesday allows students to request non-perishable items such as cereal and canned food items among other things.
"The students can go online and put in an order, we can track what food stuff they're ordering, who are the students that are ordering," TSU office of the President Arlene Nicholas-Phillips said.
Students are able to see on the campus Web site, what is in stock at the Tiger Pantry and then make a request for items.
Since students request the food online, there is a record of who is getting what each month.
"We can look and see who are the students who are running out of cash [and] who are the students whose meal plan isn't taking them through the month," explained Nicholas-Phillips.
According to officials, the Tiger Pantry is primarily for students who are going through hardship, though any student can place an order.
Currently students may pick up food once a month.
The pantry is open from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
Students, faculty and staff filled the food pantry to start, but the school is asking the community and local businesses to help.
Austin-Peay State University also recently launched a food pantry on campus.
