University Market Fights Food Insecurity

Hunger is a hidden crisis on campuses with 20 percent of students at four-year U.S. colleges struggling to access enough food.

Taking active steps to curb the growing issue, Jefferson’s Ramily Market (appropriately named after the University’s loving mascot) gives students in need non-perishable goods and hygiene products for free. Students can grab as many items as they want from the market located behind the information desk in the Kanbar Campus Center. Popular items include mac and cheese, jars of tomato sauce, soup and protein bars.

“Donations have already started pouring in from community members, faculty, staff and even students,” says Everette Nichols, Jefferson’s assistant director of diversity and social justice. “It’s amazing.”

Students who access the market complete a quick digital survey on arrival—answering questions like, “Is this an emergency situation?” and “Do you regularly feel like you don’t have enough access to food?” They still can use the market regardless of how they answer.

To help as many people as possible, the market has almost doubled its staff and expanded its hours. It just opened for the fall semester from 7:30 a.m. to 12 a.m., Monday to Friday, and 12 p.m. to 12 a.m., Saturday and Sunday.

Also new this new year, for every empty Go! Greens Jar returned to the Tuttleman Café or Kanbar 301, a donation of an on-the-go salad will be made to the Ramily Market.

See below for the Ramily Market donation wish list of non-perishable food and personal items.