About the Market of Virginia Tech
Our Story
The Market of Virginia Tech supports food access for our community in ways that respect the diverse needs and dignity of those served.
The Market of 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, and a Virginia Tech Foundation board member. 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 of 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
Food Access Leadership Team
- Meghan Weyrens Kuhn, Director VT Engage
- Rohsaan Settle, Associate Dean and Director of Dean of Students Office
- Shannon Farquhar-Caddell, Senior Assistant Dean of Students for Off Campus Student Support and Basic Needs
- Isabelle Largen, Assistant Director for Food Access Initiatives
- Donna Smith, Assistant Dean of Students for Food Access Initiatives
- Phillip Hernandez De Wright, Assistant Dean of Students
- Olivia Vowell, Graduate Assistant for Campus Kitchen
Food Access Student Team
- Brenna Demko, Student Director
- Ellie Bowman, Student Director
- Jordan Barrett, Program Assistant
- Leah Burrer, Program Assistant
- Luke Fogus, Program Assistant
- Maggie Brookings, Program Assistant