Kathryn and Brian Ballard have made a $1 million donation to Florida State University’s Food for Thought Pantry, marking the largest contribution received by the Division of Student Affairs for addressing student food insecurity.
“This extraordinary gift from Kathryn and Brian Ballard embodies the true spirit of the Florida State University community,” said President Richard McCullough. “Their generosity will make a lasting impact, helping us address the issue of student food insecurity and ensuring that our students have the resources they need to thrive academically and personally. We are deeply grateful for their commitment to our mission and for supporting our students’ success.”
A recent survey by the American College Health Association found that nearly 45% of college students nationwide experience food insecurity. FSU’s Food for Thought Pantry has been providing support since 2009, serving 3,084 unique students a total of 22,175 times from January through December 8 last year. This represents an increase of almost 58% in unique students using the pantry compared to the previous year.
The Pantry offers free food distribution to enrolled FSU students experiencing food insecurity, as well as mobile distribution events, meal swipe donations at dining halls, and Supplemental Nutrition Access Program (SNAP) workshops. Both undergraduate and graduate students across all colleges use these services.
“Our vision is to champion support for a state-of-the-art market where Florida State University students can confidently collect provisions as they pursue their degrees,” said Brian and Kathryn Ballard.
The donation will help fund expansion efforts for the Pantry, including increasing its size and storage capacity and expanding services to reach more students.
“We are extremely grateful to the Ballards for their generous gift and longstanding support to FSU and our students,” said Amy Hecht, vice president for Student Affairs. “Their commitment and compassion will enable students to focus on their academics and help ensure their path to graduation is unimpeded.”
Kathryn Ballard graduated from FSU in 1987 with a Bachelor of Science degree from what was then called the College of Human Sciences. She serves on several boards including FSU’s Board of Trustees, College of Health and Human Sciences Board, Florida Special Olympics Board of Directors, and Maclay School Board of Trustees in Tallahassee.
Brian Ballard is president of Ballard Partners, a lobbying firm based in Florida. The couple has co-chaired gubernatorial inaugurations for three Florida governors: Ron DeSantis, Rick Scott, and Charlie Crist.
For more information about student services offered by FSU’s Division of Student Affairs, visit https://studentaffairs.fsu.edu/.
