Ways You Can Help

Consider including a basic needs syllabi statement.

• Basic Needs Syllabi Statement Steps (from The Hope Center)

Step 1: Welcome students to seek help and normalize the act of getting help with food and housing.

Step 2: Direct students toward help.

Step 3: Invite students to connect with you. Students dealing with basic needs insecurity often exhibit symptoms in the classroom.

• Example:

“It can be challenging to do your best in class if you have trouble meeting basic needs like safe shelter, sleep, and nutrition. If you have difficulty affording groceries or accessing sufficient food to eat every day, or lack a safe and stable place to live, I urge you to contact Office of Student Success and/or me. We are here to help.”

Share the Mustang Market schedules.

• Mustang Market days will be stocked and ready to go from 11:30am-1:30pm while supplies last.
• There will be limits on how much of each item students can take to ensure even distribution.
• Mustang Market is a choice model- students pick what they want and leave with what they like!

Consider a monetary donation.

• Why are monetary donations important?
  • Donations allow for ordering from food partners and to create continuity in service that is important for equitable and dignified services.
  • Able to stock the pantry at will. Can make food choices based on student feedback and health equity.
• Employee Payroll Deduction
  • After-tax deduction from your payroll check and can be stopped at any time.
  • Tax deductible.
  • Small amounts at a time are not as noticeable as a large one-time donation and helps prolong program sustainability over the entire academic year through sustained giving.
• Giving by check:
  • Checks payable to:
    • SMSU Foundation with Mustang Market in the memo line
  • Checks sent to:

SMSU Foundation
Founders Hall 220
1501 State Street
Marshall, MN 56258

Other ways to give and get involved.

• Check out the wish list available for item donation drives and individual donations.
• Email civic.engagement@smsu.edu
  • Ask to be on our list serve to see upcoming announcements and volunteer opportunities.
  • To join the Nutrition Network and be a part of this positive change.
• Donate your used, clean and intact plastic grocery bags to the Center for Civic & Community Engagement.