Join me in eliminating food insecurity at Ohio State.

Although my giving page is no longer active, you can still donate. If you would like to provide any additional support, please do so here.

My name is Meghan Kessinger and I am a fourth-year student at The Ohio State University. Growing up in University Heights, Ohio, I was surrounded by Buckeye fans. I am majoring in Medical Anthropology and minoring in Bioethics. After graduation, I will be pursuing a Master of Science in physician assistant studies (MS-PAS). As a physician assistant, I want to reduce disparities in health care and advocate for our most vulnerable populations. I am beyond excited to be a member of the 2022 Ohio State Homecoming Court along with 19 other incredible Buckeyes.

Outside of the classroom, I am a member of Student-Alumni Council and previously served as the director of membership engagement and the program coordinator for prospective new member events. Student-Alumni Council works to cultivate relationships between students past, present, and future by organizing a multitude of networking events and virtual activities. I am also a research assistant at the Injury Biomechanics Research Center under Dr. Amanda Agnew and Dr. Randee Hunter. This spring, I will be completing and presenting my undergraduate thesis. My other previous involvements include being a STEM Exploration and Engagement scholar and a research assistant at the Research and Learning Collaborative of Thompson Library. Outside of Ohio State, I work as a nursing assistant at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus and at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center. Taking care of children and the elderly has motivated me to pursue a career where I can care and advocate for our most vulnerable patient populations.   

During my time at Ohio State, I have been surrounded by a welcoming and supportive community. It has been my goal to give back to Ohio State and help students reach their goals. I am very excited to use my platform to support the cause closest to my heart: Buckeye Food Alliance. In 2020, I joined Buckeye Food Alliance as way to support my fellow Buckeyes. Buckeye Food Alliance works to eliminate food insecurity throughout the Ohio State community by providing groceries and personal hygiene items to students at no cost. Food insecurity is a major problem on college campuses due to the rising costs of higher education and living expenses. A 2017 study on collegiate financial wellness found 14.7% of Ohio State undergraduates reported struggling with food insecurity. This figure does not include the many graduate, professional, and doctoral students we serve.

As a co-president of Buckeye Food Alliance, I pack grocery orders each week in Lincoln Tower alongside my fellow volunteers, but I also lead our fundraising efforts. By supporting the Student Food Pantry Fund, you are helping Buckeye Food Alliance meet the needs of our growing Ohio State community. Our students need nutritious, filling meals in order to succeed in school and pursue their career aspirations. Please help us stock our pantry shelves with fresh produce, baked goods, and staple ingredients. Thank you for considering supporting this initiative and for helping to make sure no Buckeye goes hungry! OH-