FSU\u2019s Food for Thought Pantry<\/a> has served students since 2009, providing immediate support to those at risk of going hungry. As of December 8, the Pantry had served more than 3,000 students more than 22,000 times, collectively, in 2025. That was a nearly 58% increase in student usage over the previous year.<\/p>\n The Pantry also 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 \u2014 and their needs continue to grow.<\/p>\n \u201cOur 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,\u201d the Ballard said.<\/p>\n The Ballards\u2019 gift will help the Pantry with its expansion efforts, including long-term plans to increase its square-footage and storage capacity and expand its services to more students.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are extremely grateful to the Ballards for their generous gift and longstanding support to FSU and our students,\u201d FSU Vice President for Student Affairs Amy Hecht said. \u201cTheir commitment and compassion will enable students to focus on their academics and help ensure their path to graduation is unimpeded.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n It\u2019s Brian Ballard\u2019s role in philanthropic efforts at FSU that makes a little less sense \u2014 He\u2019s a two-time graduate of FSU rival, the University of Florida.<\/p>\n And this isn\u2019t the first time the couple has made a major contribution to FSU.<\/p>\n Brian Ballard\u2019s firm, Ballard Partners, also previously launched an FSU scholarship fund<\/a> in 2020 to honor Gregory Turbeville, who passed away that year at just 49 years old. The scholarship supports students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and have financial need.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/JS-728x90-1.png\")
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