FSU Celebrates $1M Gift to Fight Student Food Insecurity

Brian Ballard and his wife, Kathryn — a Florida State University alumna and member of the Board of Trustees — have made a $1 million gift to benefit FSU’s Food for Thought Pantry. This is the largest investment the Division of Student Affairs has received to date to help address the growing need for student support. 

“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.” 

Data shows that food insecurity is increasing on college campuses, according to a recent American College Health Association survey. Nearly 45% of college students nationwide experienced food insecurity. 

Serving students since 2009, FSU’s Food for Thought Pantry provides immediate support to students experiencing food insecurity. From January through Dec. 8, the Pantry served 3,084 unique students a total of 22,175 times. This is a 57.77% increase in unique students using the Pantry over the previous year. 

In addition to distributing free food to currently enrolled FSU students experiencing food insecurity, the Pantry operates mobile distribution events, dining hall meal swipe donation distributions and Supplemental Nutrition Access Program (SNAP) workshops. Both undergraduate and graduate students across all colleges access the Pantry — and their needs continue to grow.  

“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 Ballards’ gift will be used to help the university’s Pantry expansion efforts. Long-term plans include increasing the Pantry’s square footage and storage capacity, as well as expanding services to accommodate 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. In addition to her service on the FSU Board of Trustees, she has a long history of charitable and community work including service on the FSU College of Health and Human Sciences Board, the Board of Directors of the Florida Special Olympics and the Board of Trustees of the Maclay School of Tallahassee.   

Brian Ballard, a two-time graduate of the University of Florida, serves as president of Ballard Partners, a lobbying firm offering comprehensive services for clients, from legislative advocacy to relationship management. The Ballards were selected by three Florida governors — Ron DeSantis, Rick Scott, and Charlie Crist — to co-chair their gubernatorial inaugurations.  

To learn more about the Division of Student Affairs and the student services they provide, visit studentaffairs.fsu.edu.