Welcome to the column to go to when you’re a broke, tired college student in a dorm. Today, I wanted to talk about some other resources you can potentially use if you are food insecure.

1. Bucky’s Pantry 

(Contributed/Bucky’s Food Pantry)

Bucky’s Pantry is ETSU’s food pantry for those who affiliated with the university in some way, including you as students. They reside in the Culp Center near the passport office and are generally open on weekdays. They give out free food to those who are food insecure and are reachable via phone at (423) 439-5243, or at foodpantry@etsu.edu.

2. Kroger App 

We are less than a mile away from a Kroger grocery store. If you aren’t eating out and aren’t driving, you are likely getting some sort of groceries from this store. Good news, Kroger has a savings program, along with an app available on both Android and iPhone, as well as a functioning website that can be used on a regular computer. Signing up for regular savings is easy and free, you just need a regular phone number. The app is also free to use and is associated with said phone number and uses your email. Having these two things will bring your grocery bill down, if you don’t already have it.  

3. Salvage Stores 

What is a salvage store? A salvage store is a grocery store that sells groceries, usually at a heavily discounted price, that normal chain stores either ordered too much of, or food that breaks brand standards, but not USDA standards. Since I live in Kingsport and commute to ETSU as a student, McCoy’s Salvage Grocery is my go-to. However, there are such stores in Johnson City, such as United Grocery Outlet. A quirk to these stores due to their nature is that you can also find unique products you wouldn’t otherwise find during your normal grocery run, as their products sold aren’t as consistent.  

(Contributed/ETSU)

4. ETSU Student Card 

Finally, use your Student ID card. All you have to do is ask, wherever you go, and you may be able to find somewhere that lets you use your BUC$ or will give you a student discount. For example, the Johnson City Transit (JCT,) lets students and staff ride our local public transportation for FREE. Utilize it. 

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