Grocery Bingo returned to Austin Peay State University on Feb. 10 as a Student Life and Engagement favorite, bringing students together for prizes ranging from snacks to household items.
This semester’s Grocery Bingo featured between 150 and 175 prizes, including snacks, drinks and household essentials.
“We try to get as many as we can. That way, whatever someone’s looking for, they can really find that,” said Zac Moore, Assistant Director of Student Life and Engagement.
The concept was inspired by similar programming Moore encountered at other institutions. Moore said the event has been held every semester since its launch in fall 2020, noting that the program has continued to expand with each iteration.
“It’s definitely something that we plan to continue to do and really build the tradition.”
For students like Kennedy Davis, a sophomore agriculture major, the variety and atmosphere are what keep her coming back.
“Grocery Bingo has probably been one of my most favorite events here because of the energy and the competitiveness,” Davis said.
Attending her third Grocery Bingo, Davis said seeing the flyer alone was enough to bring her back.
“I was like, ‘Oh, round three.’”
Davis walked away with disinfectant wipes, a prize she said she genuinely needed. While snacks and drinks filled the prize table, Davis said she appreciated the more practical items and would love to see even more in the future, such as cleaning supplies or small household tools.
“Those shared dorm rooms get dusty,” Davis said, suggesting items like vacuums, décor, or even gift cards.
Many of the prizes come through collaboration with Community Engagement and Sustainability, which provides items from the SOS Food Pantry. Moore said the partnership also helps raise awareness of campus resources available to students.
Grocery Bingo is part of a larger week of programming focused on community care and engagement. Moore highlighted upcoming events, including the Coming Home Heroes tabling event, where student organizations raise money for the SOS Emergency Fund.
“Last year, we raised over $5,000,” Moore said. “We hope to either match that or exceed it this year.”
