WSSU Rams Helping Hands Food Pantry ensures no Ram goes hungry

Food insecurity affects millions of Americans every day, including college students. At Winston-Salem State University, nearly one in four students are eligible for or receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. When SNAP disbursements are delayed or disrupted, access to food becomes even more challenging.

The Rams Helping Hands Food Pantry, located in the Allegacy Federal Credit Union Student Resource Center (SRC), fills in the gaps by providing healthy food to students in need.

The pantry is staffed by caring student interns, volunteers, and leaders who provide confidential service and a welcoming environment. The mission is simple: ensure that no Ram goes hungry and that every student feels supported and respected.

Ms. Nyjae Johnson, who oversees the pantry said, “We are seeing firsthand how the reduction in SNAP benefits threatens student stability. Access to nutritious food is critical for academic success, and these cuts make it harder for students to stay engaged in their studies.”

The team has noticed a steady increase in students using the pantry, which can be attributed to a combination of SNAP benefit cuts and rising food costs. During the 2024-2025 academic year there were over 1,200 uses of the pantry. During the fall 2025 semester, which still has a month left, there have been 700 uses. Johnson says, “That number represents students who depend on our pantry to bridge the gap between meals.”

One of the key benefits of using the pantry is peace of mind. “The pantry gives students one less thing to worry about. Having access to free, healthy food allows them to focus on their studies and stay engaged in campus life without the stress of food insecurity.”

With more students seeking assistance this semester, the pantry is asking for community support to help keep its shelves stocked. No student fees are used to support the Rams Helping Hands Food Pantry so “donations make a real difference. Every item or dollar donated helps ensure that no student must choose between eating and other necessities. Supporting the pantry is a direct investment in student success.”

How to Help

Donations of nonperishable food and hygiene items can be made by:

• Giving in person at the Allegacy Student Resource Center on the ground floor of the Thompson Center.
• Dropping off items in the large donation bin outside the SRC.
• Ordering items through the Amazon Wish List.
• Shipping items to Office of the Dean of Students, 601 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Thompson Center, Suite 303, Winston-Salem, NC 27110 

High-Demand Items

• Canned meats
• Canned beans
• Pasta and sauce
• Peanut butter
• Jelly
• Canned vegetables
• Soups
• Ramen noodles
• Rice
• Boxed mashed potatoes
• Mac and cheese
• Laundry detergent
• Baby food
• Baby wipes
• Diapers
• Menstrual products
• Soap, shampoo, body wash, disposable razors and deodorant
• Toilet paper
• Paper towels
• Can openers

If you know a student who could benefit from pantry services, please direct them to the Rams Helping Hands Food Pantry webpage to register and view the latest hours.

Together, the Ram community can make sure every student has what they need to thrive inside and outside the classroom.