During the shutdown of the federal government, the Lion Co-Op experienced higher levels of need than normal. While the shutdown has now ended, people are still experiencing hard times, and the Lion Co-Op, located on the third floor of Spiva Library, is soliciting donations to make sure their items are back to pre-shutdown numbers.

Many groups of people benefit from the Co-Op, which provides food and personal items to students, faculty, staff, and Lion Cubs. The Co-Op was founded to help any of these people who are dealing with food insecurity. Many students who experience food insecurity have a much more difficult time being successful academically.

Donations to the Co-Op can be dropped off on the third floor of the Spiva Library at the main circulation desk. They are accepting items such as microwaveable entrees like mac and cheese, ramen noodles, soups; snack foods like granola bars, fruit snacks and peanut butter and crackers; other non-perishables like peanut butter, instant mashed potatoes and jam. They are also looking for personal hygiene items like toilet paper, deodorant, and body soap.

People wanting to donate in other ways may also volunteer their time by assisting the Co-Op. Volunteers would help with tasks such as, filling orders, checking out patrons, picking up donations from donation boxes around campus and the community, organize donations, track inventory and stock shelves.

There are multiple donation boxes located across campus; these include one on the main floor of the Julio S. Leon Health Science Center, one on the second floor of Webster Hall, and one on the main floor of the Anderson Justice Center.

According to the National Library of Medicine, college students are more likely to experience food insecurity compared to the average of the surrounding community.

The Lion Co-Op is located on the third floor of the Spiva Library. Their Fall 2025 hours are Mondays from 9-10 a.m. and 1:15-3 p.m. and Wednesdays from 9-10 a.m. and 12-3 p.m. Any student or employee of MSSU can use the Co-Op’s services as long as they have their Lion Card. The Co-Op also hosts a number of special drives and fundraisers throughout the year, stay in the loop by following their Facebook page at Missouri Southern Lion Co-Op or Instagram page at mssulioncoop.