On April 17, Kroger hosted a $5,000 shopping spree to help stock Oakland University’s (OU) Golden Grizzlies Pantry in Rochester Hills. 

The event brought students and staff to support members of the university community experiencing food insecurity.

Working from a prepared list, more than 18 student and staff volunteers selected essential items while staying within budget. 

By the end of the shopping spree, volunteers collected more than 1,215 pounds of food, including peanut butter, pasta, soup, canned vegetables, tuna, cereal, milk, yogurt and cheese. 

The Golden Grizzlies Pantry provides food and toiletries to students in need and serves as a critical support system on campus. 

OU officials said partnerships, like Kroger’s, help ensure the pantry remains accessible and reliable for students who depend on it.

Brittney Mitchell, assistant dean of students, said Kroger’s partnership reflects a shared commitment to student care and community impact. 

“Their willingness to approach support in creative, action-oriented ways helps us meet growing needs while strengthening the network of care around our students,” Mitchell said.

Charlie Dimock, a manager of the Golden Grizzlies Pantry and graduate assistant, said careful planning helped ensure the shopping trip met the pantry’s needs.

Dimock organized shopping lists in advance, prioritizing staple items and ensuring that options were available for a variety of dietary needs. 

The structured approach allowed volunteers to maximize the impact of the donation while also creating a more efficient and purposeful shopping event. 

In total, more than $3,130 was spent during the shopping spree. The remaining $1,870 was placed on gift cards for future pantry purchases, allowing continued flexibility in meeting student demand. 

Dimock said Kroger’s donation had an immediate and lasting impact on the pantry’s operations.

“The pantry was able to bring in over 1,000 pounds of food and hygiene products to fill our shelves,” Dimock said. “With the remaining funds, we will be able to keep our shelves stocked as we head into the summer semester.” 

The pantry operates entirely on donations, so support from partners like Kroger is especially important during times when contributions typically slow down.

“Our pantry is completely donation-based; the opportunities to utilize such an incredible gift are extremely valuable, especially during the summer when we have fewer donations coming in,” Dimock said.

Beyond the numbers, the shopping spree also fostered a sense of community both inside and outside the store. 

Shoppers paused to take photos, offer encouragement and in one instance, purchase additional items to donate to the pantry — demonstrating how visible acts of service can inspire broader community engagement. 

Dimock said the pantry prioritizes removing barriers that might prevent individuals from seeking help.

“Every single person who is affiliated with Oakland University is welcome to come and shop at the Golden Grizzlies Pantry,” Dimock said. “We don’t ask for your ID, income or affiliation. We are a no-questions-asked service.” 

Dimock encourages the community to visit the pantry when needed.

“Come in, shop and be a part of Oakland University’s journey in reducing food insecurity,” Dimock said.

The pantry also supports students through programs designed to meet needs outside of the regular operating hours. One example is the Grab ‘n’ Go program.

Grab ‘n’ Go provides pre-packed bags of food and essentials before major academic breaks. The program ensures continued support when the pantry is not available.

“We created Grab ‘n’ Go bags before major breaks with supplies to help shoppers get through times when the pantry is closed,” Dimock said. “This helps shoppers feel supported even when normal university operations are not occurring.” 

Programs like Grab ‘n’ Go are especially important because the pantry is primarily staffed by students. Limited staffing can affect hours during university breaks.

These bags fight against food insecurity while the university is closed, ensuring that support remains available for the Oakland University community.  

Volunteer support plays a key role in maintaining operations. Volunteers assist with stocking shelves, sorting donations and organizing the space. 

“We’ve got a small, yet incredibly hard-working team of student staff, so the extra hands go a long way,” Dimock said.

Dimock said the pantry relies on continued involvement from the community. Opportunities to volunteer are available throughout the academic year. 

“Whether community members would like to volunteer for class, applications or for their own fulfillment, they can sign up for time slots on our website,” Dimock said.

The pantry also accepts a wide range of donations. Contributions can include food, hygiene products, professional clothing and monetary support.

Community partnerships extend beyond donations. The pantry regularly collaborates with campus organizations to host events and initiatives. 

One recent effort included a swipe drive-in collaboration with Chartwells. Students were able to donate unused dining hall swipes to pantry users.

The drive resulted in more than 200 donations. 

“We had over 200 donations and look forward to continuing to host this drive-in upcoming semesters,” Dimock said.

Another annual event, the Fire Truck Pull, combines fundraising with community engagement. Teams participate by donating items to the pantry.

Christine Talbert, director of philanthropy for Student Affairs, said Kroger’s involvement continued to show what it means to be a true community partner. 

“Their support of the Golden Grizzlies Pantry is not only generous but deeply impactful for our students,” Talbert said. “It’s a powerful example of what’s possible when partners think creatively about meeting real needs.” 

As the pantry prepares for the summer semester, maintaining inventory remains a priority. Donation levels often decrease during this time.

Kroger’s contribution helps ensure the pantry remains stocked and operational. The support provides stability during a period when resources can become limited. 

Efforts like the shopping spree highlight the importance of collaboration. Community partners, volunteers and campus leaders all play a role in supporting students.

The Golden Grizzlies Pantry continues to serve as a critical resource at Oakland University. Access to food and basic resources necessitates that students focus on academic success.

Community support remains essential in sustaining that mission. Continued partnerships and engagement will help address food insecurity on campus. 

The Oakland University community is thankful for Kroger’s generous donation.