CLARKSVILLE, TN – The Austin Peay State University Board of Trustees approved the naming of the campus food pantry facility as the Millan Foundation Impact Center during its quarterly meeting on Friday, Dec. 5.
The naming recognizes the Millan Foundation’s transformational gift-in-place donation—APSU’s first privately-funded donation of this type—which will expand the food pantry’s capacity to serve 35% more students facing food insecurity. Unlike typical campus food pantries that distribute only shelf-stable items, APSU’s facility provides fresh produce, meat, and eggs to students and their families—a comprehensive approach that will be expanded through this partnership.
“The Millan Foundation’s generous commitment to complete the buildout of our new food pantry facility is nothing short of remarkable,” said Dr. Mike Licari, APSU president. “This partnership represents our values of community collaboration and shared purpose at Austin Peay—uniting with organizations that share our commitment to student success.”
Meeting a Critical Need
During the 2024-25 academic year, the APSU Food Pantry served 505 new students through 3,889 visits, reaching an average of 220 students monthly and feeding 312 additional family members each month. This family-focused approach sets APSU apart from most university food assistance programs, which typically serve only enrolled students. The historic partnership comes at a crucial time when student hunger continues to impact academic performance across college campuses nationwide.
Expanded Capacity and Enhanced Access
The enhanced facility will expand the pantry’s capacity to provide fresh, nutritious food to students and their families while improving accessibility for all users. Monthly food distribution will increase from 4,800 items to 6,500, enabling the pantry to serve 35% more students. The facility will store 1,800 shelf-stable items compared to the current 1,400, while distribution of fresh produce, meat, and eggs will double from 50 pounds to 100 pounds monthly maintaining APSU’s focus on complete nutrition rather than just emergency assistance. Additionally, the number of hydroponic towers for on-site harvested fresh greens will double. The new location will also increase accessibility and visibility to ensure all students can easily reach the resources they need.
A Foundation Built on Impact
“At the Millan Foundation, our mission is to create a legacy of impact by partnering with good people and great organizations to broaden and strengthen their footprint,” said Leo Millan, president of the Millan Foundation. “We work to remove obstacles so our partners can fully carry out their mission. This partnership with Austin Peay State University reflects our commitment to collaborative efforts that uplift local organizations. Together, we’re turning the key to a brighter future for students and the Clarksville community.”…