Biweekly Donations Provide Fresh Fruit, Milk, and Bread for Students in Need

Alabama A&M University’s Aramark Dining Services has partnered with the University’s Bulldog Market to help increase student access to fresh, nutritious food, further advancing AAMU’s commitment to student success and well-being.

The partnership, which began January 6, 2026, provides fresh fruits and milk to the Bulldog Market every two weeks, ensuring a consistent supply of healthy food options for students at no cost.

The Bulldog Market, under the Office of Student Success, Persistence and Retention, was established in 2021 to address food insecurity among Alabama A&M University students. Coordinated by the University’s Office of Service and Learning and supported through funding from the AmeriCorps VISTA federal grant program, the market allows students in need to receive three free items per visit.

Today, the Bulldog Market serves more than 200 students each day, offering groceries in addition to personal hygiene products, school supplies, and clothing. The need for such resources remains significant. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, approximately 82 percent of undergraduates at Historically Black Colleges and Universities receive federal financial aid, and nearly half report experiencing food insecurity—almost twice the national average. At Alabama A&M, the Bulldog Market has become a critical support system for students facing these challenges.

Through the partnership, Aramark Dining Services donates one case of apples (36–40 pounds), one case of oranges (38–40 pounds), two cases of bananas (approximately 80 pounds total), six 24-packs of 8-ounce whole milk bottles, and six 24-packs of 8-ounce chocolate milk bottles.

“Our decision to donate to the Bulldog Market reflects our commitment to ensuring that every Alabama A&M student has access to proper nourishment,” said Aramark Dining Services general manager Sharon Murray. Food insecurity can be a real barrier to academic success, and we believe it’s our responsibility to support students beyond the dining halls. This partnership allows us to invest directly in their well-being and strengthen the community we proudly serve.”

Aramark Dining Services provides Alabama A&M University students with nutritious, high-quality meals and diverse dining options designed to support campus life and student wellness. The partnership with the Bulldog Market reflects a shared commitment to addressing basic needs that directly impact student retention, academic performance, and overall success.

“These fresh fruit donations mean a lot to us,” said Taylor Wiley, a marketing graduate student from Cincinnati who works at the Bulldog Market. “This is one of the few places on campus where students can obtain fresh fruit at no cost. Students have responded very positively because it helps create a healthier balance among the items available in the Market.”

Keeping the Market’s shelves stocked requires continued support from the campus and surrounding community. “We rely entirely on donations and are always looking for contributions that help us keep the Market full for students who rely on us,” said service and learning coordinator Monica Clarke.

The Bulldog Market is in the McCaleb and McIntosh Building, Room 103. Donations of food, hygiene products, school supplies and clothing may be dropped off Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments are preferred—especially on Fridays—but walk-ins are welcome. Items currently needed include hygiene and personal care products, baby items, bottled water and juices, pop-top canned goods, and ready-to-eat meals.

For more information about donating, email monica.clarke@aamu.edu or call 256-372-4583. You can also donate here.

Photo: From left, Lorelyn Swinton, AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer; Joshua Callender, food service director for Aramark Dining Services; Monica Clarke, AAMU service-learning coordinator; Kawania Harris, AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer; and Aaron Dixon, AAMU assistant vice president for Student Success, Retention and Persistence.