Newly Upgraded Ramily Markets Continue to Help Students in Need

Nearly one in four college students experience food insecurity, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office.

Students eating less than they should or skipping meals because they can’t afford enough food can have far-reaching consequences, says Dr. Je’Nai Righter, assistant provost for student affairs on Jefferson’s Center City and Dixon campuses.

“Over time, even the smallest amount of food insecurity creates a psychological and physiological detriment that impedes students’ progress and creates barriers for them to focus academically, socially and emotionally,” she says, “and it impacts their holistic well-being.”

The cost of living has increased dramatically since the pandemic, only compounding the issue.

“Because we’re here to improve lives, we want to make sure we’re improving the lives of our students by addressing food and basic need insecurity,” Dr. Righter says.

First established in 2017 on East Falls Campus, Jefferson’s Ramily Market provides a variety of free personal hygiene products and nonperishable and fresh food—including produce, eggs and plant-based milk—in part through partnerships with organizations like Philabundance and Sharing Excess.

The markets and pop-ups on East Falls, Center City and Dixon campuses have served hundreds of students since the start of the fall 2024 semester.

Additional options and better access have led to more students using the market, says Dr. William Johnson, assistant director for diversity and social justice on East Falls Campus.

“Over the summer, we focused on completely renovating the space at East Falls,” he says. “We went from offering 20 to 96 items. We’ve expanded our range of female hygiene products and now hit all the food groups for our students. We’ve received so much positive feedback.”

The Center City market underwent a complete overhaul recently as well.

“In partnership with Dr. Katie DiSantis and the College of Population Health, we started in a single room in a residence hall. We had a small deep freezer, a fridge and some shelves,” Dr. Righter says. “Today, with our new space in Alumni Hall, we have a large walk-in refrigerator and freezer and multiple shelves.”

For improved access, East Falls students request items in three ways. First, through the market’s online portal by PantrySoft, they can select an appointment time to shop in person. Second, with the same site, students can set up mobile ordering like Instacart.

“You can see our inventory in real-time,” Dr. Johnson says. “We’ll build the order, and you just pick it up.”

Finally, the East Falls market—located behind the Kanbar Campus Center information desk—offers walk-in appointments to increase flexibility and anonymity, he says. Students can check in on a kiosk without sharing any personal details.

Center City Campus has a similar system for requesting and picking up items but will soon move to PantrySoft, like East Falls, to improve the overall experience.

“We’re ecstatic about everything taking place within our services to bolster our students so they can continue to achieve the Jefferson way,” says Dr. Righter, noting the University recently received a $10,000 grant from the Leo and Peggy Pierce Family Foundation to enhance the Center City market.

The money will allow staff to make additional improvements, including more shelving, food and work-study students.

Law and society student Kaylee Rivera works in the East Falls market. With the help of Jefferson volunteers, they recently assembled dozens of Thanksgiving meal kits for students.

“I see the need,” she said at the November volunteer event. “It’s a serious issue.”

Side by side with others from across Jefferson, Rivera called putting together these kits “a wonderful opportunity for communion and rebuilding.”

Despite the markets serving hundreds of students, Dr. Johnson knows more would benefit but struggle to reach out.

“It can feel like asking for help may mean you’re not as strong as you feel you are—but it’s actually the opposite,” he says. “Your ability to advocate for yourself is what will empower you and help you to be successful. We can support you and do it privately. All students have to do is walk through our doors or place a mobile order. We will get you the resources you need.”

The Ramily Markets routinely seek volunteers and donations. If interested, contact Dr. Will Johnson on East Falls Campus and David Chaney or Bin Wu on Center City Campus.