Iggy’s Market has quickly become a hub for student support and sustainability efforts on campus. In 2025, the Backpack Program and Career Closet were brought together in one location inside Holthusen Hall. The move from Mashuda Hall created a “basic needs resource center” with greater visibility and easier access for students.
In the last year, Iggy’s Market has recorded more than 2,000 visits, with most students seeking food assistance. “We combined the Backpack Program with the Career Closet under ‘Iggy’s Market.’ This has allowed us to better serve students,” says Christine Little, assistant director of the Arrupe Center.
She says demand has risen because of the economy, rising prices and the more central location.
“I am so happy students are finding the programs and using them,” Little says. “There is a lot of stigma around food insecurity, so one of the barriers can be internalized shame. Students may believe that it’s their fault and thus do not deserve help and may be worried they are taking resources away from other students who they assume need them more. To know that students are finding us and using us is wonderful.”
While the Career Closet remains a valuable resource, most visits continue to be driven by food needs. Out of more than 900 visits since late August, only 66 have been for the closet. “Most students come once for the Closet, while for the Backpack Program they come multiple times, often weekly,” Little says.
The Backpack Program also received a major boost early in the fall semester thanks to an $11,000 donation from high school student Will O’Toole, who raised the funds while recovering from a sports injury. Little says the timing was crucial.
“Will’s gift came at such a great time in the fall semester, which has helped us meet the increase in demand,” she says. “I have been purchasing extra produce and dietary restricted items like gluten-free bread and tofu and having that extra buffer through his generous gift has been so helpful.”
Iggy’s Market also benefited from the Open Your Heart Food Drive, part of President Kimo Ah Yun’s first Presidential Address, which collected more than 900 pounds of food. Little emphasized how impactful the donations were, especially because items like canned soup are in high demand.
“The food drive collected over 900 pounds, which has been wonderful,” she says. “The Open Your Heart Food Drive brought in a lot of soups and other items we do not usually get through Feeding America. It could not have come at a better time.”
The Arrupe Center’s sustainability efforts have become increasingly connected to Iggy’s Market. Little supervises the university’s new sustainability specialist, and the two areas are partnering to address food insecurity and waste reduction. “We really want to shift the conversation from just food insecurity to waste reduction,” Little explains.
She noted that many students are unsure how expiration dates work and that food pantries often receive items that are close to expiration. “We are trying to shift that perception by tying Campus Sustainability and Iggy’s Market together,” she adds.
Educational events, reusable mug promotions with Campus Dining and activities like Sustainability Jeopardy were especially popular during Campus Sustainability Month.
“Students really liked the Sustainability Jeopardy they created to help educate about different topics,” Little says. “Sarah also partnered with Campus Dining to provide a 10-percent discount to anyone who brought in a reusable cup, and that was a big hit.”
The center is also excited about student-led sustainability initiatives that will begin in the spring through new micro grants.
Iggy’s Market is further connected to civic engagement work through the Civics in Action with Bridge the City session. The event helps students build confidence in understanding local government and community responsibility.
“I find students are generally engaged but also overwhelmed with how much is happening,” Little says. “My hope is that this session helps give them a starting point and a deeper understanding of how local government in particular works. Once we understand how our government is supposed to work, we are more likely to see higher engagement because we understand how our actions as citizens can make an impact.”
Iggy’s Market continues to work toward expanding food access, sustainability education and civic engagement, and support Marquette students in practical and meaningful ways while promoting a stronger and more sustainable campus community.
