The Tiger Meal Swipes program is returning for the Fall 2026 semester thanks to a bill that was recently passed by the University of Memphis Student Government Association.
Tiger Meal Swipes allows students who need temporary food assistance up to five meal swipes to the Tiger Den on the Central Campus. Meal swipes can be donated toward the program by using the unused guest meals preloaded to meal cards.
The bill was sponsored by immediate past SGA vice president, Kristen Tolbert, and 2025-26 Finance Committee Chair, Abdul Alashmali.
Collaborating with the Dean of Students, the SGA was able to bring back donations for the Tiger Meals Swipes program which has been inactive since 2020. A Tiger Meal Swipe donation drive will take place this Fall 2026 semester.
“I am privileged enough to never know what it’s like to go hungry, but not everyone experiences that,” said Tolbert, a senior (BA ’26). “So, when I joined SGA and they told us about creating and passing bills to protect and amplify the student experience, I knew my bill would be focused on food insecurity and finding a way to make sure students are fed.”
Tolbert visited the Tiger Food Pantry another valuable resource available to students that provides non-perishable food items, toiletries, basic household items, and hygiene products, but she wanted to find a way for students to get access to a hot, prepared meal.
“Everyone deserves a fresh and hot meal,” she said. “During my time as a resident advisor I purchased groceries for my residents and hygiene products because a few of them told me they didn’t have the money for it. No student should ever have to go hungry on a campus where food is available anywhere.”
Alashmali said food insecurity, among other financial barriers, caused one of his friends to drop out of school.
“Being able to eradicate that issue would have solved a lot of others, so that is why this bill is near and dear to me. Being able to give back to students so they don’t go hungry and can experience college without being worried about their next meal is very important.”
Dr. Antwone Cameron, associate vice president and dean of students said food insecurity is not just about hunger — it is about whether a student feels like they belong and can fully engage in their college experience.
“This work is very personal to me. In my dissertation, I examined the impact of food insecurity on academic achievement and belonging, and what we know is that students cannot fully show up in the classroom when they are worried about their next meal. The return of Tiger Meal Swipes is more than a program; it is a statement about who we are as a campus community. I am proud to partner with our students in this work and continue building a campus where every student has what they need to succeed.”
Alashmali said that speaking with students, advocating for them to the administration and working to pass legislation that improves the campus environment has been one of the most rewarding aspects of being a part of the SGA.
“Just by the SGA passing this bill, they are now part of the team to eradicate food insecurity for our Tigers,” said Melissa Morgan, Dean of Students program and services coordinator, who oversees the Tiger Pantry. “There has always been a stigma around those who experience food insecurity — making them feel ashamed or as if they were begging for handouts. I don’t believe in handouts, I believe in hand-ups. I am proud to be partnered with the University of Memphis’ Student Government Association and know with perseverance we can overcome the stigma people feel and grow a wonderful program with an even better outcome for our students.”
