Ohio State Marion recently recognized Kit and Lori Fogle, along with their daughters Abigail and Alexis, for their extraordinary generosity and enduring commitment to addressing food insecurity through the naming of the Fogle Family Farm Scarlet Shelf Food Pantry, located in the Alber Student Center.
The Fogle family recently visited campus to see firsthand the impact of their support. During their visit, they met with Cathy Gerber, Director of Development and Community Relations, and Leslie Beary, Director of Student Engagement and Wellbeing, who shared how the pantry has become a vital resource for students and families across the region. Their time together reflected not only the tangible outcomes of the pantry’s work, but also the shared values of compassion, dignity, and community that define the Fogle family’s legacy.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Fogle family for their generosity and their belief in the importance of caring for our students and campus community,” said Cathy Gerber. “This partnership means so much to us. The Fogles don’t just support a program—they invest in people, and their commitment has made a lasting difference in the lives of so many.”
During the 2025 service year (January 1 through December 1), the Fogle Family Farm Scarlet Shelf Food Pantry made a profound difference in the lives of those it serves:
- 336 households supported
- 1,098 individuals served
- 9,882 meals provided
- 3.03 visits per family (on average)
- 9 meals per person (on average)
Behind these numbers are real people, students, families, and neighbors—who relied on the pantry during times of need. Children made up 27% of those served, adults 65%, and seniors 8%, underscoring the pantry’s role as a multi-generational safety net.
Notably, 163 households with minor children were served, reaching 670 individuals, while 173 households without minor children accounted for 428 individuals.
In addition, 82 new households accessed the pantry for the first time in 2025, demonstrating its continued importance as students and their families encounter changing economic circumstances.
The pantry’s reach extended across 11 counties and 27 zip codes, with Marion County representing the largest number of households served. Families from surrounding counties—including Morrow, Richland, Franklin, and Ashland—also benefited from the pantry’s services, reinforcing Ohio State Marion’s role as a regional hub of support.
While overall utilization showed a modest decrease compared to 2024, a deeper look at the data reveals an important trend: families who relied on the pantry in 2025 did so more frequently. Average visits per family increased by more than 24%, reflecting the pantry’s growing importance as a consistent source of nourishment and stability.
Complementing the pantry’s work, Friendly Fridges continued to see heavy use, requiring restocking multiple times each week. Additional support from partners such as the United Way, 100 Women Who Care, Ron Cramer, and others who helped expand services through wellness events, healthy snack distribution, and student-focused programming across campus.
The Buckeye Food Alliance, a student-led organization, coordinates and champions this effort on Marion campus. This provides students with service learning and volunteer opportunities.
The Fogle family’s decision to name the Fogle Family Farm Scarlet Shelf Food Pantry is more than a recognition—it is a promise. A promise that students will be able to focus on learning without the burden of hunger. A promise that families will be met with dignity and care. And a promise that community remains at the heart of Ohio State Marion.
Through their generosity, Kit and Lori Fogle, Alexis, and Abigail have helped create a space where nourishment, compassion, and hope are always on the shelf—ready for those who need it most.