Okmulgee, OK –  Saturday, March 15, 2025

At Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology (OSU IT), students have a vital resource to help them navigate the challenges of college life—Pete’s Pantry. Located on campus, this essential service provides free food, clothing, hygiene products, and other necessities to OSU IT students, as well as those from Green Country Technology Center, the College of Muscogee Nation, and local high school concurrent students.

Beth Rogers, who helps run Pete’s Pantry, emphasizes the wide range of offerings available to students. From fresh produce like spinach, strawberries, and apples to frozen chicken and bread, the pantry ensures students have access to healthy food options. A popular service is their frozen meal program, where students can receive 10-12 frozen meals per week, helping to ease the burden of grocery shopping and meal preparation.

In addition to food, Pete’s Pantry provides clothing, including OSU IT apparel, nursing scrubs, and culinary uniforms. Students can also find essential dorm items, hygiene products, medication safety kits, and even baby supplies like car seats, high chairs, and baby beds.

Recognizing transportation as a challenge for some students, Pete’s Pantry offers a bicycle program for those living on campus without transportation. These brand-new bicycles are completely free, and students don’t need to return them.

Pete’s Pantry operates Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, during the spring semester and follows campus closures. However, they are available for emergency food needs in special circumstances.

Donations Welcome

The pantry relies on generous donations from the community. If you’d like to contribute, here are a few guidelines:

• Clothing donations should be clean and gently used, suitable for young adults, including professional attire, casual wear, workout clothes, and shoes.
• Food donations must be within date to ensure safety.
• School supplies are also accepted, with a new supply coming in this summer.

For those interested in donating or learning more, you can reach out to Beth Rogers directly via email.

Pete’s Pantry stands as a beacon of support for OSU IT and its neighboring schools, ensuring students have the resources they need to thrive academically and personally.