Note: This story originally appeared on Kent State Today in January, 2024. It has been updated to reflect current information in the wake of an increased need for food in our community.
Kalena Speicher began working at Kent State’s Flashes Fighting Hunger food pantry in January 2023 and during that year she witnessed a huge increase in the number of people coming in for fresh meat, fruits, vegetables and staples.
The increase has been steady since the pandemic, when the pantry remained open to serve the needs of the community, according to Amanda Paulus, senior director of Community Engaged Learning and External Relations.
In addition, there has been an increase in the number of international students using the pantry this past year as international student enrollment increased at Kent State.
Here is Speicher, an AmeriCorps member majoring in political science, talking with Kent State Today about the influx of pantry users
Who Uses the Pantry?
In 2023, the pantry served:
- 909 unique households
- 2,046 unique people
- A total of 12,400 people
In 2024, the pantry served:
- 1,025 unique households
- 2,229 unique people
- A total of 14,860 people and 6,923 pantry visits
The numbers really ticked up in December 2023, when on average, the pantry served about 120 unique individuals each week at its bi-weekly food pantry. This was a 40% increase from Spring 2023, a 70% increase from this time last December 2022, and a 140% increase from December 2021, according to Paulus.
The numbers have continued to increase steadily, and we are now inching closer to serving 200 people a week. There has been a 4,050% increase in pantry visits since the first month pantry data was recorded (February 2021) to the most recent month pantry data was recorded (October 2025)
Feb 2021 Data:
- 18 visits/households
- 45 individuals served
July 2025 Data:
- 747 visits/households
- 1,550 individuals served
At each pantry visit, approximately 70% of users are Kent State students, 10% are faculty and staff (mostly adjunct faculty and hourly staff), and 20% are community members.
The numbers do not reflect the monthly drive-through food distribution that is run in partnership with the Akron Canton Regional Foodbank at Dix Stadium, which also serves over 100 households per month.
Flashes Fighting Hunger is a student-run, volunteer-driven organization that was started by students in 2011. The operation recovers unused food products from local grocers, farmers, food banks and Kent State dining services and uses it to feed food-insecure students, faculty/staff, and the greater community. The pantry demonstrates Kent State's deep connections with industry partners.
Where Does the Food Come From?
The program runs 52 weeks a year and is led by a group of Kent State student managers who oversee teams of volunteers to run daily operations.
Food is recovered primarily from Trader Joe’s in Woodmere, Ohio, Kent State Dining Services, the Akron Canton Regional Foodbank, and other small local grocers, farmers and restaurants that have food waste. In January 2025, Kent State began a partnership with Sanson Produce and now receives weekly produce donations.
Financially, the program relies on university funds, individual donors such as James Tinnin and the Portage Foundation, corporate donors such as Meijer, and small grants, Paulus said.
By repurposing the food, Flashes Fighting Hunger partners with the Kent State Nutrition and Dietetics program, whose students use the food to prepare approximately 150 meals per week for local social service agencies such as Kent Social Services, Center of Hope in Ravenna and Miller Community House. Kent State also cooks and distributes 60 meals every other week to Kentway Senior Homes
Flashes Fighting Hunger also has a vehicle that holds pop-up pantries from time-to-time, including a pop-up at the Kent City Health Department Nurses Clinic in early 2025.
How do I Make an Appointment?
Fall 2025-Spring 2026 Pantry Schedule
Tuesdays
- Appointments from 3-5 p.m.
- Walk-ins from 5-6 p.m.
Fridays
- Appointments from 3-5 p.m.
- Walk-ins from 5-6 p.m.
Appointments open one week before the desired date. .
If you are a current Kent State student and continue to experience food insecurity or have challenges meeting your basic needs, please contact the CARES Center (Crisis, Advocacy Resources Education and Support Center) in Kent State’s Division of Student Life.
The CARES Center works collaboratively with students to secure on- and off-campus resources that meet their financial, food, housing and mental well-being needs.
Learn more about Flashes Fighting Hunger.