Savannah State launches free campus grocery store to fight student hunger

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Students at Savannah State University now have expanded access to free food and essentials thanks to a new on-campus grocery store.

The university, in partnership with Goodr and Amazon, celebrated the opening of an Amazon Goodr Mini-Mart with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday at Adams Hall.

The store provides students with access to fresh produce, pantry staples, snacks and household items throughout the academic year and summer.

City leaders, university officials and community partners spoke during the event, including Savannah Mayor Van Johnson, Amazon representatives and SSU President Dr. Jermaine Whirl.

The initiative aims to address food insecurity, which affects a significant number of college students. A 2024 report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office found nearly 4 in 10 students at historically Black colleges and universities experience food insecurity.

University leaders say food insecurity can impact attendance and performance, and the new mini-mart builds on long-standing campus support programs with a more accessible, grocery-style option.

Unlike some campus food programs, the store will remain open during the summer, when dining options are often limited.

Officials say the goal is to provide consistent, dignified access to food and resources students need to succeed.