209 Marketplace at Virginia Tech

Helping Hungry Hokies

209 Marketplace is a donation-based, emergency food pantry that provides free food, toiletries, and school supplies to Virginia Tech students in need.

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What to Expect

209 Marketplace uses a point system for purchases. Each person who shops at 209 Marketplace receives 50 points, and people with dependents can claim an additional 25 points per dependent. An individual's points reset each week on Sunday night. To get to 209 Marketplace, enter through the front door of the Wesley Foundation and go up the staircase to the third floor. If you need assistance, the front desk volunteer would be happy to help you! If you are a brand new 209 Marketplace patron, you will need to fill out a form accessed by a QR code provided by the front desk volunteer. When you begin to shop, you will see that all our products are labeled with colored stickers that indicate the amount of points each object costs. For example, a can of fruit is labeled with a red sticker, marking its cost as three points. As you shop, add up your points, or ask the volunteer for assistance with keeping track of your budget. When you finish shopping, you can check out with the volunteer.

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209 Marketplace Q&A

What is the core mission of 209 Marketplace at Virginia Tech?

• The core mission of 209 Marketplace at Virginia Tech is to help end food insecurity on Virginia Tech’s campus. We are “Hokies Helping Hungry Hokies!”

Who can benefit from it?

• Any student with a Hokie Passport can come to the Marketplace. There are no “requirements” and you do not have to prove need. If you are in need of food, toiletries, and other basic necessities, then 209 Marketplace is the place for you!

How should they contact you?

• You can contact us at wesfound@vt.edu.

Any interesting stories to share with us?

• We had one student graduate who had been a weekly shopper with us. Since graduation, they have become a monthly donor to the pantry to help support other students!
• We have students all the time say that this is something that is literally helping them stay in school and, in a couple cases, alive. This is such a huge need, and it is great that students can get what they need at the food market.

What is the vision of 209 Marketplace at Virginia Tech?

• We want every student who is in need of food and supplies to know about the Marketplace and be able to get basic necessities while in school. We also plan to work with the University to help students with cooking and financial wellness!

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209 Marketplace extends a gracious thank you to:

• The Virginia Tech Women’s Club
• The Schiffert Health Center
• Virginia Tech's HNFE Department
• Mark Sikes, Dean of Students
• All our donors
• All our volunteers