About the Market of Virginina Tech

Our Story

The Market at Virginia Tech supports food access for our community in ways that respect the diverse needs and dignity of those served.

The Market at Virginia Tech is an initiative of Student Affairs designed to provide food assistance to students who, for whatever reason, have a hard time obtaining regular, healthy meals. This situation could be the result of a short-term disruption in finances, residing in a food desert, or a lack of access to other financial assistance.

When Hema and Mehul Sanghani learned how many Virginia Tech students were struggling to have enough healthy and nutritious meals, they felt compelled to act. Hema Sanghani is a member of the Virginia Tech Class of 1999 who earned her degree in finance. Mehul Sanghani is a member of the Virginia Tech Class of 1998 who earned bachelor’s degrees in industrial and systems engineering and psychology. He is CEO and founder of Octo Consulting Group, a nationally recognized technology and consulting firm based in Reston, Virginia. Mehul Sanghani is a native of Blacksburg, home of Virginia Tech’s largest campus. Hema Sanghani grew up in Lynchburg, Virginia, a less than two-hour drive from that campus.

Supported by a $1.5 million donation from the alumni couple, the university launched The Market at Virginia Tech to enhance food access for Hokies.

The program is run by Virginia Tech Student Affairs, which encourages any undergraduate or graduate students who faces food insecurity to utilize one of the many program offerings provided by The Market of Virginia Tech.

Our Team

Our Partners

• VT Engage: The Center for Leadership and Service Learning
• Dean of Students Office
• Virginia Tech Dining Services & Homefield Farm
• Community Partners:
• New River Valley Glean Team
• Agape Center
• Interfaith Food Pantry
• Montgomery County Emergency Assistance Program
• YMCA at Virginia Tech
• Plenty! Farm and Food Bank
• Radford Fairlawn Daily Bread

Our Work