MSU Extension Fall Extension Conference

This year’s FEC service project focuses on supporting the MSU Food Bank and Basic Needs Program, an initiative that helps ensure Spartans have access to nutritious food,  personal care items, and other essential resources. By participating in this donation drive, you can help make a meaningful difference for students, scholars, faculty, and staff experiencing food insecurity while contributing to a stronger, healthier, and more supportive MSU community.

The MSU Food Bank and Basic Needs Program provides essential food and personal care items to students and scholars experiencing food insecurity. Serving over 350 orders each week and supporting more than 2,000 individuals monthly, the program plays a vital role in ensuring Spartans have access to healthy, culturally required food options that reflect the diversity of the MSU community.

Conference attendees are encouraged to donate high need food, household, personal care, and culturally relevant
pantry items. A complete list of requested items is available on the FEC website and in the conference app.
There are several ways to participate: 

• Donate Food and Essential Items: Bring requested items to the conference and place them at the Service Project table in the Red Cedar Room. 
• Give Online: Donate through the MSU Development Fund to support the MSU Food Bank
• Amazon Wishlist: Shop our updated listof high-demand items

Every donation helps ensure that fellow Spartans have access to the resources they need to thrive. We encourage
all attendees to participate as we work together to support the well-being and success of the MSU community.

Guidelines & Considerations for food and essential Items Donations :

• No expired or opened items
• All items must be new and unopened
• Prefer easy-to-open containers (e.g., flip-top cans or pull-tab lids)
• Look for single-serving sizes to make meals easier in dorms or shared kitchens
• Focus on microwave-friendly or no-cook options for convenience.
• Consider Halal, kosher, vegan, and vegetarian items when available
• Avoid glass jars, if possible, since students may have limited storage or be transporting items on the bus

What items are most needed?

Quick Meal Options

• Microwaveable meals (rice bowls, quinoa, mac & cheese, instant noodles)
• Canned soups, stews, and chili (consider pop tops, many students do not have can openers)
• Ready-to-eat rice or grain pouches
• Canned beans and lentils

Protein Sources

• Canned fish, poultry, pork, or beef
• Peanut butter or nut alternatives (e.g., sunflower butter, almond butter)
• Protein bars or shelf-stable shakes
• Shelf-stable and plant-based milk (soy, oat, almond, coconut, rice)
• Shelf-stable tofu or chickpea-based proteins (check allergen-free)

Culturally Required Food Options

• Rice (white, brown, jasmine, basmati), quinoa, lentils, couscous
• Culturally required spices (e.g., cumin, turmeric, chili powder, curry powder)
• Condiments such as soy sauce, hot sauce, sriracha, chili paste

Breakfast and Snacks

• Instant oatmeal, cereal, or granola (including allergen-free alternatives)
• Crackers, pretzels, and popcorn (including gluten-free)
• Dried fruit and nuts
• Applesauce and fruit cups

Cooking and Pantry Staples

• Cooking oil (olive, vegetable, canola, palm, avocado, sunflower, coconut, sesame oil, peanut, grapeseed or safflower oil
• Flour, sugar, and baking mixes (including gluten-free)
• Pasta, rice, and sauces (including gluten-free)
• Salt, pepper, and seasonings (including gluten-free)
• Broth or bouillon cubes (including gluten-free)
• Vinegar

Personal and Household Essentials

• Toilet paper and paper towel
• Shampoo and conditioner suitable for multiple hair types
• Body wash, deodorant, lotion, lip balm
• Toothpaste and toothbrushes
• Menstrual hygiene products
• Laundry detergent and dish soap

Baby and Family Support Items

• Diapers and wipes
• Infant formula and baby food
• Children’s snacks (fruit pouches, cereal bars)

Condiments - Culturally Required Items

Consider Halal, kosher, allergen-free when available

• Soy sauce
• Malt vinegar
• Fish sauce
• Ketchup
• Oyster sauce
• Mayonnaise
• Chili garlic sauce
• Mustard
• Hoisin sauce
• Barbecue sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Salt
• Sesame oil
• Miso paste
• Honey
• Wasabi
• Gochujang
• Apple Cider Vinegar
• Curry paste
• Cumin
• Tamarind paste
• Chutneys
• Garam masala
• Mustard oil
• Pickles
• Coconut milk
• Tahini
• Harissa
• Za'atar
• Pomegranate molasses
• Sumac
• Preserved lemons
• Labneh
• Salsa
• Hot sauce
• Adobo sauce
• Chimichurri
• Achiote paste
• Chipotles in adobo
• Queso fresco
• Berbere spice
• Peri-peri sauce
• Chermoula
• Shikokus paste
• Maggi cubes
• Dijon mustard
• Horseradish
• Aioli
• Worcestershire sauce
• Balsamic vinegar

Spices - Culturally Required Items

Consider Halal, kosher, allergen-free when available

• Cumin
• Turmeric
• Coriander
• Garam Masala
• Cardamom
• Fenugreek
• Mustard Seeds
• Asafetida
• Curry Powder
• Chili Powder
• Black Pepper
• Cloves
• Paprika
• Saffron
• Sumac
• Zaatar
• Star Anise
• Five Spice
• Allspice
• Smoked Paprika
• Dill
• Oregano
• Bay Leaves
• Garlic Powder
• Onion Powder
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Thyme
• Rosemary
• Basil
• Sage
• Parsley
• Cayenne Pepper
• Fresh Garlic
• Soy Sauce

Cleaning Supplies

• Disinfecting wipes
• Multi-surface cleaner
• Dish soap
• Hand soap
• Sponges
• Scrubbing brushes
• Mops
• Broom and dustpan sets
• Paper towels
• Toilet bowl cleaner
• Glass cleaner
• Laundry detergent
• Bleach
• Disinfectant spray
• Garbage bags
• Microfiber cloths
• Rubber gloves
• Shower cleaner
• Bathroom cleaner
• Dusting spray
• Vinegar
• Baking soda
• Carpet cleaner
• Mop buckets
• Toilet paper
• Toilet scrub brushes
• Drain cleaner
• Furniture polish
• Stain remover
• Cleaning rags

Baking Supplies

Consider Halal, kosher, allergen-free when available

• Flour (all-purpose, whole wheat, rice, almond)
• Sugar (granulated, brown, powdered)
• Baking Powder
• Baking Soda
• Yeast
• Cocoa Powder
• Cornstarch
• Tapioca Starch
• Almond Flour
• Sprinkles
• Powdered gelatin
• Cornmeal
• Semolina flour
• Coconut milk
• Condensed milk
• Evaporated milk
• Shredded coconut
• Rice flour
• Chickpea flour
• Vanilla extract
• Almond extract
• Honey
• Molasses
• Dried fruits (dates, raisins)
• Nuts (almonds, cashews, peanuts)

Boxed Mixes:

• Cake mixes (chocolate, vanilla, red velvet)
• Brownie mix
• Muffin mix (blueberry, chocolate chip)
• Pancake mix
• Cornbread mix
• Cookie mix
• Pie crust mix
• Pie filling (apple, cherry, pumpkin)
• Frosting (chocolate, vanilla, cream cheese)
• Pudding mix
• Custard mix

Oils & Fats:

• Olive Oil
• Vegetable Oil
• Coconut Oil
• Ghee

Baking Spices:

• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Allspice
• Cloves
• Coriander
• Cardamom

Hot Beverages:

• Hot chocolate mix
• Spiced tea (chai, cinnamon, peppermint)
• Honey (for sweetening tea or baking)

Pantry Staples

Consider Halal, kosher, allergen-free when available

• Rice (basmati, jasmine, short grain)
• Lentils (red, green, brown)
• Beans (black, pinto, kidney, chickpeas)
• Pasta
• Couscous
• Quinoa
• Bulgur
• Canned tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Canned tuna
• Canned chicken
• Canned vegetables
• Coconut milk
• Olive oil
• Vegetable oil
• Flour (all-purpose, whole wheat, rice)
• Cornmeal
• Semolina Flour
• Tortillas
• Flatbreads (naan, pita)
• Instant noodles
• Ramen
• Bouillon cubes
• Canned fruit
• Oats
• Cereals
• Dried fruits (dates, raisins)
• Nuts (almonds, cashews, peanuts)
• Crackers
• Pasta sauce
• Canned soups

Personal Hygiene

• Toothpaste
• Toothbrushes
• Floss
• Mouthwash
• Bar soap
• Body wash
• Shampoo (including sulfate-free options)
• Conditioner (including moisturizing or leave-in options)
• Deodorant (unscented and scented)
• Lotion (fragrance-free and scented)
• Hand sanitizer
• Razors
• Shaving cream
• Makeup wipes
• Moisturizer
• Lip balm
• Hairbrushes and combs
• Hair ties and accessories
• Nail clippers
• Cotton swabs
• Cotton balls or pads
• Wet wipes or facial cleansing wipes
• Tissues
• Hand soap

Snacks

Consider Halal, kosher, allergen-free when available

• Granola bars
• Protein bars
• Nuts or trail mix (single serve)
• Pretzels
• Popcorn
• Crackers
• Fruit snacks
• Dried fruits
• Jerky or meat sticks
• Chips (single-serve bags)
• Applesauce or fruit cups