School of Communication (SCOM) Alumna Ashleigh Kittrell sat down with the College of Communication and Information (CCI) to discuss her work with Second Harvest of the Big Bend. This organization keeps FSU’s Food for Thought pantry shelves stocked, providing students with the proper nutrition for success. Kittrell graduated from the School of Communication and is now a Marketing and Communications Specialist at Second Harvest of the Big Bend.

“I oversee all branding and messaging efforts to ensure our mission is clearly and consistently communicated to the public. I manage campaigns, digital content, media relations, and community outreach to raise awareness and support for our programs,” Kittrell said.

The Food for Thought Pantry is one of the primary food contributors to students facing hunger and food insecurity in the Florida State community. It partners with Second Harvest of the Big Bend, an organization that addresses food insecurity throughout Tallahassee and the Big Bend region.

Kittrell describes how the Second Harvest of the Big Bend aims to grow its presence and connections with the community by partnering with local schools through the School Market Program, which provides children and their families access to nutritional foods that give them the foundation they need to learn.

“These partnerships are a powerful way to provide consistent access to nutritious food for students and their families. Expanding this program helps deepen community connections and reinforces our commitment to fighting hunger where it’s needed most,” Kittrell said.

Kittrell saw multiple sides of FSU’s Food for Thought Pantry— she started as an intern for the Second Harvest of the Big Bend with a strong desire to serve and give back to the community, leading her to pursue a permanent role with the company. This experience showed her the influence that students can have on the community by volunteering, especially with non-profits such as the Second Harvest of the Big Bend.

“We see that firsthand through the hundreds of FSU students who volunteer with us each year. We’re also proud to support students directly through our on-site pantry at FSU, the Food for Thought Pantry, which provides access to healthy, nutritious food for those in need,” Kittrell said.

Kittrell’s role at Second Harvest of the Big Bend focuses on engaging the public to spread the mission of the organization.

“I hope to continue amplifying our mission to fight hunger in the Big Bend. I aim to inspire greater community involvement through compelling storytelling, impactful campaigns, and strong brand presence,” Kittrell said.