Mercy Market's continued mission to support student needs

The Mercy Market isn’t an emergency stop. It’s a support system woven into everyday student life.

Inside, student workers can be found stocking shelves, answering questions, or greeting classmates on any given day. For them, the Mercy Market is more than a campus resource. It’s a place where students support their peers quietly and compassionately.

“Working here is a very fulfilling experience,” one student worker shared. “I know I’m making a different on this campus, at least to one person every day.”

That sense of purpose is shared among the Mercyhurst students who help bring the Mercy Market’s mission to life. Made up of students ranging from first year to graduate-level, the Mercy Market staff approaches their work with empathy and care, creating a warm and welcoming environment.

“No one should ever be afraid or ashamed to come here,” another student worker said. “We’re excited to be here and help each student figure things out and make life at college easier.”

What the Mercy Market Is

The Mercy Market, overseen by Director of Academic Community Engagement Bethany Woods, serves as the umbrella for several campus initiatives focused on addressing student needs, including Swipe Out Hunger, the MU Pantry, and the Professional Clothing Closet.

Housed in a renovated Brigges Avenue apartment, the Mercy Market is designed to feel accessible. Inside, students will find nonperishable food items, a room and changing area stocked with professional clothing for internships and job interviews, and shelves with self-care items that encourage students to look after their overall wellbeing. Services can be accessed during regular open hours or confidentially by appointment. Students can receive support in a way that feels comfortable and respectful.

How It Works in Real Life

The Mercy Market is designed to be simple and flexible, much like a grocery store on campus.

Any student can use the market, and being located on campus prevents the need for a car to access it. Each person receives 15 points per week to select items that best meet their needs. For students who can’t visit in person, an online ordering option allows them to access resources.

Beyond daily operations, the Mercy Market hosts events such as thrift pop-ups held once a semester, expanding access to clothing and encouraging community engagement.

Making a Measurable Difference

The impact of the Mercy Market is personal and measurable.

The market typically serves 30 to 50 students each month and requires restocking one to two times monthly. As of February 2026, the food pantry has fulfilled 155 orders for 70 students, distributed 779 pounds of food, and filled an average of 30 orders per month. More than 2,600 items have been donated to support these efforts.

The Swipe Out Hunger initiative, where students and employees can donate the extra swipes on their meal cards, has shared 5,993 swipes since the program began in 2020.

Food insecurity can have lasting consequences for college students, affecting academic performance, retention, and graduation rates. Mercyhurst continues to invest in programs that ensure students have support they need.

What Support Looks Like

A single donation can have a visible and tangible impact. A $500 gift can contribute to a full pantry refill, while a $1,000 donation can provide weeks of stability for dozens of students. Support looks like stacked pantry items, hygiene supplies, professional clothing, and fresh produce—resources ready when students need them.

Looking Ahead

As the Mercy Market grows, so does its reach and its vision to ensure students feel supported, seen, and empowered to succeed. At Mercyhurst, help comes with open doors and a community committed to seize the day and make college life a little easier for everyone.