Written by: Drew Piper (’26)
Drew Piper graduated from UT in May 2026. In addition to serving as a resident assistant through University Housing for four years, Piper also worked as a basic needs student director in the Center for Basic Needs for three years. After forgoing a meal plan for two years due to financial constraints, Piper received a Big Orange Meal Plan Scholarship, allowing him to visit dining halls regularly during his senior year on campus. Learn first-hand from Piper how this scholarship impacted his student experience and increased his ability to create community for his residents.
When I reflect on how the Big Orange Meal Plan Scholarship has impacted my college experience, the most overwhelming feeling is a sense of relief. There’s the relief of knowing that I don’t have to stretch my budget any further to include a weekly grocery trip. There’s the relief of being able to stop at the dining hall for breakfast after an all-nighter cramming for an exam. There’s the relief of not having to learn to cook for one in a residence hall kitchen (and relief for any person who might have been unfortunate enough to try my cooking). Above all, there’s the relief of knowing that I have a safety net to rely on that has allowed me to focus on being the best student I can be.
After working as a resident assistant in first-year residence halls for four years, I have seen how vital community and connection are as students transition into college life. And after spending my entire life in Tennessee, I have learned that food is a communal experience. The intersection between the two has been the most unexpected surprise from having a meal plan again. Being able to invite residents to share a meal together has been one of the best ways to get to know them. This scholarship has truly been transformative in both my personal and professional life—I have been a more successful student and a better RA because of it.
“Being able to invite residents to share a meal together has been one of the best ways to get to know them. This scholarship has truly been transformative in both my personal and professional life—I have been a more successful student and a better RA because of it.”
Drew Piper, ’26
I doubt that I will ever be able to fully express my gratitude for the Center for Basic Needs and the ways that they have impacted my college experience and my life. I started working with Basic Needs because I was a staunch believer in the work they do and their dedication to ensuring all students have the tools necessary for success.
When I tell people about the work we do, I tell them that we make sure all Vols have their fundamental needs met to succeed as people so they can then succeed as students. It has been the privilege of a lifetime getting to work alongside so many incredible people who are all dedicated to removing barriers for all Vols.
Center for Basic Needs By the Numbers
During the 2025–26 academic year, $46,126 in Big Orange Meal Plan scholarships were awarded to 17 students. Additionally, students donated 396 meal swipes through the Vols Swipe Out Hunger initiative, through which students can donate remaining guest meals from their meal plan allowance.
Each year, the Center for Basic Needs receives more than 100 applications for a meal plan scholarship and has to narrow those down to less than 20 recipients based on current funding. Outside of student wages and staff salaries, the center is entirely donor funded.
During the 2025-26 academic year, the Division of Student Life awarded 385 scholarships, totaling $509,570 in support.