Established almost a decade ago by students in the Nutrition Exercise Physiology program to ensure healthy, accessible food options for students, the WSU Spokane Campus Pantry serves as an essential campus resource for those facing food insecurity.
Food insecurity is defined as a lack of access to sufficient, nutritious food, either in quantity or quality. Despite increased awareness, food insecurity among college students remains a critical issue nationally, with 41% of students reporting insufficient access to food. However, these numbers can vary among health sciences students. Several recent studies have shown that 44-60% of undergraduate nursing students report being unable to afford balanced meals in the past year, and more than 1 in 5 US medical students report food insecurity.
According to the American Psychological Association, food insecurity in college students has been linked to “detriments in school settings, including academic distress, grade point average, and mental health challenges.” These outcomes can directly affect a student’s ability to succeed in their studies and graduate.
The Campus Pantry is open to all students, regardless of program, and provides supplemental food and occasional hygiene products during weekly distributions throughout the academic year. The program has grown to support nearly 3,300 visits last year and is staffed by student and employee volunteers who help organize and distribute items.
Over the past two years, the pantry has developed partnerships with the WSU Spokane Riverpoint Café and 2nd Harvest Food Pantry to increase the supply of fresh foods available in the pantry. This allows students to create balanced and healthy meals.
Support the Pantry
The pantry is made possible through Student S&A Fees, partnerships, philanthropic support, and volunteers. Those who want to support the pantry can do so through volunteering, food donations, and monetary donations. All forms of support are valued and appreciated.
Volunteer
Volunteers are critical to the pantry’s operations, and we welcome students, staff, and faculty to help with restocking and distribution. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact spok.accesswellness@wsu.edu.
Food Donations
Donations of shelf-stable food and hygiene products are always welcome and can be dropped off at the Campus Pantry in HSB 110A or at the Access & Wellness Office in SAC 145. You can also purchase items from the pantry’s Amazon Wishlist.
- Canned fruit and vegetables
- Pasta sauce/canned tomato sauce
- Pasta and rice
- Canned and dry beans
- Canned/boxed soups
- Shelf-stable ready-to-eat/easy meals- Ramen, Knorr, Rice-o-Roni, etc
- Canned meat
- Kitchen essentials- condiments, spices, peanut butter, jelly, etc.
- Breakfast items- cereal, oatmeal, etc
- Individually packaged snacks
- Gluten-free shelf-stable products
- Travel-size hygiene products and feminine hygiene products
- Holiday meal items, such as pumpkin puree, stuffing, and gravy mixes.
Monetary Donations
Your monetary donation will help support the purchase of critically needed items. You can make a donation online or via check, payable to WSU Spokane Campus Pantry.
