BLUEFIELD, WV (LOOTPRESS) — Bluefield State University celebrated the grand reopening of its expanded campus food pantry Thursday, marking a significant step forward in addressing student food insecurity through its growing partnership with Food Lion and its Food Lion Feeds initiative, along with meaningful support from campus and community partners.
The expansion follows Bluefield State’s membership in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association, where Food Lion has been a longtime partner and major sponsor, including the CIAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. That relationship has translated into direct support for Bluefield State students.
What began with Food Lion Feeds providing gift cards to support the University’s student food pantry has grown into a long-term commitment. This past week, Food Lion delivered and stocked the first large-scale shipment of food on campus, with plans to provide deliveries each semester.
The effort was further strengthened by members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, and other campus and alumni groups who contributed additional food and essential items to support students in need, underscoring a shared commitment to service and community impact.
To accommodate the expanded support, Bluefield State renovated and relocated its food pantry to a larger space in the Student Center, significantly increasing its capacity to serve students.
“This is about more than a pantry,” said Bluefield State University President Darrin Martin. “It is about making sure our students have what they need to succeed. When we remove barriers like food insecurity, we are giving our students the opportunity to focus on their education and their future. We are grateful to Food Lion and to all who stepped forward, including Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, to support the Big Blue community.”
At the recent CIAA Basketball Tournament in Baltimore, Food Lion Community Relations Specialist Bob Mills met with Bluefield State Director of Student Activities Anne Pelchar to discuss the Food Lion Feeds program and its potential impact on campus.
Pelchar explained the CIAA emphasized its commitment to supporting member institutions and the communities they serve, including addressing food insecurity and ensuring students have access to the resources they need to succeed. As part of that effort, the conference is proud to partner with Bluefield State University and Food Lion to strengthen the campus food pantry and help set students up for success.
According to Pelchar, the impact on students is immediate and meaningful.
“The Food Lion Feeds program is really important to Bluefield State students facing food insecurity,” Pelchar said. “Many of our students, including first-generation college students, face financial challenges. This partnership, along with the generosity of organizations like Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, allows us to better meet their needs and expand how we serve our campus community.”
Pelchar added that Food Lion’s support allows the Student Government Association, which helps manage the pantry, to shift its focus from fundraising for food to expanding student services.
The newly expanded pantry, located adjacent to the Student Center game room, will serve as a central resource for students in need, reflecting Bluefield State’s broader commitment to supporting the whole student and removing barriers to success.
