Turkey Baskets, Donations Help Students on Campus During Holiday Break

Alabama A&M University is making sure students who remain on campus during Thanksgiving break don’t go without a holiday meal, thanks to the ongoing efforts of the Bulldog Market. The program, coordinated by the Office of Student Success, Retention and Persistance, assembles and distributes full Thanksgiving turkey baskets to students who sign up in advance.

“We started last Thanksgiving,” said Bulldog Market Project Director Monica Clarke. “When we know students will be here for an extended period, we try to make sure they have food. That’s how the idea for the turkey baskets started.”

Each basket includes everything needed to prepare a full Thanksgiving meal. Students receive a frozen turkey, stuffing, vegetables, starches, desserts and drinks such as sweet tea. Clarke said the market typically receives 30 to 35 sign-ups each year, supported through donations and community partnerships.

Clarke noted that while many assume college students go home for the holidays, that’s not always the case. “We have quite a few students who stay here. We also have an international population, and some nontraditional students with families. We want every student to have a good Thanksgiving, no matter their circumstances.”

Clarke says the Bulldog Market serves more than 200 students who are experiencing homelessness or are unaccompanied minors, offering a critical support system for those with the greatest need. In total, the Market serves more than 200 students daily with groceries, personal care items, school supplies and clothing. The program, established in 2021 to respond to rising food insecurity, is supported through the AmeriCorps VISTA federal grant.

To help sustain the pantry, the Bulldog Market and WJAB hosted a Community Food Drive on Nov. 7 at the University’s main gate on Chase Road. 

The Bulldog Market accepts:
• Nonperishable food items
• Personal hygiene products
• Toiletries
• Bottled water, drinks, juices

Donations can be delivered to the McCaleb and McIntosh Building, Room 103, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments are preferred – especially on Fridays – but walk-ins are welcome.

For more information, email monica.clarke@aamu.edu or call 256-372-4583. Monetary gifts can also be made here.

“At Alabama A&M University, no student should ever have to sacrifice their education because of hunger,” Clarke said. “The Bulldog Market exists to make sure every student has what they need to thrive – during Thanksgiving and throughout the year.”

(Photo L-R) Lorelyn Swinton, AmeriCorp Vista member; Monica Clarke, AAMU Bulldog Market Project Director; Kawania Harris, AmeriCorp Vista senior member