Since launching in August, the student-led Corner Store has swiftly emerged as a vital, proactive resource to tackle student food insecurity on campus, providing over 3,075 food assistance services in only three months. This high volume of usage underscores the significant and ongoing need for basic necessities within our student community.
The project's success is a testament to strong internal and external collaboration. Through the dedicated and collective efforts of President Olivier Charles, the student-led Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, the faculty and staff-led Food For Thought Committee, and key external partner Connie Guggenbiller, Director of the Love All Pantry, Bishop State has successfully secured weekly donations from key local business partners, including Chick-fil-A, Aldi, Wawa, and Panera Bread. This collective response has resulted in the collection of over 490 pounds of food to sustain this essential service, highlighted by a record 190-pound single haul in October.
This effort was started in August 2025, well before the current government shutdown, which impacted SNAP benefits for many.
Wildcat Basic Needs Pantry
Bishop State has a year-round commitment to supporting students facing food insecurity. Prior to the 103 Corner Store, the Wildcat Basic Needs Pantry was established to help students with food and basic needs insecurities. These initiatives are available not only during the shutdown or holiday season, but throughout the year.
Student Activities Coordinator, Symentha McDonald, manages the Wildcat Basic Needs Pantry, which is housed in our Student Activities Office. It was established shortly after the COVID-19 shutdown in response to growing student need. It continues to serve as a vital resource for our campus community, offering:
- Ready-to-eat meals, frozen foods, and shelf-stable items
- Basic hygiene supplies and laundry detergent
- Support for single students, students with families, and occasionally employees in need
In addition to direct services, strong community partnerships help extend the college's reach and impact. Notably, Airbus’s BeBold Engineering Group and The Greater Mobile Chapter of The Links, Incorporated's Emerald Plate Initiative support the college's efforts through their donations.
This year, Bishop State secured a grant to employ a peer navigator, a trained student leader who connects peers to food and basic needs resources beyond our scope. Students are also referred to trusted city-wide partners when their needs exceed what the college can provide on campus. The goal is not only to meet immediate needs but to create a sustainable, stigma-free support system that empowers students to thrive academically and personally.