'Pete’s Pantry saved me' – OSU-Tulsa’s food pantry provides crucial service for students

Friday, April 4, 2025

Media Contact: Aaron Campbell | OSU-Tulsa Communications Coordinator | 918-594-8046 | aaron.ross.campbell@okstate.edu

All OSU-Tulsa students are here to learn — but how can you focus on assignments when choosing between gas or groceries this week? How do you study for a test on an empty stomach, knowing you’ll still be hungry when you take it?

Food insecurity is a devastating reality for many in the Tulsa area, including OSU-Tulsa students. That’s where Pete’s Pantry steps in.

Pete’s Pantry, part of OSU-Tulsa Student Life in North Hall 103, is a food pantry open to any currently enrolled OSU-Tulsa or OSU Center for Health Sciences student experiencing food insecurity or needing other essentials, such as hygiene products. Food and other items are available at no cost to qualified students.

"The first time using Pete's Pantry really saved me," one student said. “Until last year, I never thought I would have to calculate buying food. I don’t buy much. I don’t eat much.”

The student, who asked not to be named, found herself relying on Pete’s Pantry for most meals after being hit with unexpected medical bills in November.

Despite working part-time and getting help from her family to fund her education, she is currently unable to afford some basic necessities like groceries. She lives paycheck to paycheck, spreading her bills throughout the month to make it work.

“It’s a little bit embarrassing, but I haven’t been to grocery store in months, and it’s not good,” she said. “Never once in my lifetime did we have to go without food. My family doesn’t know now there will be nights, or days, I go without food.”

She admits not having access to fresh foods and more protein options has been difficult for her to navigate, but she’s thankful to have the lifeline that Pete’s Pantry provides.

“Without Pete’s Pantry, I’m not sure how I would provide food for myself every month,” she said. “Sometimes it doesn’t feel that good, to rely on canned food and ramen all the time. At some point, you get sick of noodles. But it’s enough to keep me surviving, to get back to campus, to work and to study.”

This student is not alone. So far this semester, students have used Pete’s Pantry 24 times, a jump from last semester.

“We can’t let our students go to class hungry," said OSU-Tulsa Campus and Community Specialist Glenda Ross, who oversees Pete’s Pantry. "Food is a basic need, and no student should have to choose between their education and a meal. Our job is to help students succeed, and that starts with making sure no one in our campus community goes without.”

Pete’s Pantry relies on donations to keep its shelves stocked.

“We are so thankful for the donors who have taken this chance to give back to our students directly, in one of the most important ways,” said Nekki Reagan-Neeley, assistant vice president for community engagement and student services. “Every can, every box, and every bottle has such a tremendous impact on our campus community.”

If you would like to donate to Pete’s Pantry, please bring new, unopened, in-date items to North Hall 103 during regular business hours. To make an appointment to shop at the pantry or for more information, visit the Pete’s Pantry webpage.