Student Food Pantry

The Student Assistance Resource Center (SARC) has recognized that in order for students to be well and succeed academically, basic needs must be addressed. As a result, the Division of Student Affairs has established a food pantry on campus in an effort to assist HSC students impacted by food insecurity.

Food Pantry Locations

The SSC Food Pantry location is available for student use Monday-Friday, from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM in the Student Service Center. The Food Pantry is located on the main floor, directly across from the Cashier’s Office.

There are no eligibility requirements to utilize the food pantry. If you are in need, please use the service.  

  • All items are free to take, and there is no limit to the number of items you can take at any given time. (Based on student needs, this is subject to change. If this change occurs, we will communicate it with you as soon as possible).  
  • Upon taking any items, weigh all of the items you are taking and please scan the QR code at our check-out station to access our check-out form.  
  • When filling out the form, please indicate the date, the weight of your items (in pounds), how many items you took from a specific category, any dietary restrictions you’d like our staff to be aware of, any items you’d wish to see in the food pantry, and provide any optional feedback. This form is completely anonymous; However, the data collected in the form helps us ensure that the food pantry meets all students’ needs.  
  • Please leave the Food Pantry how you found it. If you changed your mind about an item before checking out, please put it back where you found it.  
  • It is not required that a SARC Team member be present with you while you are in the Food Pantry. However, if you would like one of us to assist you, please send us an email at SARC@unthsc.edu. 

Note: This location is currently closed due to renovation. We will update you as soon as it is up and running!

The HSC Library Food Pantry location is available for student use 24/7. The Food Pantry is located in Library Room 450.

The use of the HSC Food Pantry does not require application or approval. It is available to any student in need, but please weigh and record everything taken.

Students who visit the food pantry can request to meet with a staff member to discuss any difficulties they may be facing by emailing SARC@unthsc.edu or simply asking to meet with a staff member from the Care Team. Students can also choose to email the Care Team to set up an appointment as well.

Donation Information

Food, childcare items, and personal hygiene items can be donated at our ‘donation station’ inside the food pantry, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM.  Our ‘donation station’ is located in our Student Service Center Food Pantry location – Room 180. 

To ensure that donations are processed and distributed safely, we kindly request that individuals refrain from placing items directly on pantry shelves. Please bring all donation items to the designated ‘donation station’ or coordinate beforehand with a SARC Team Member. If you cannot contact anyone on the SARC Team, please visit the Student Service Center Lobby Front Desk 

If you are donating a large volume of items, if you’d like to coordinate a large/group donation, OR if you have items for our clothing closet, please email us in advance at: SARC@unthsc.edu Note: The Clothing Closet Donation Process is different from the Food Pantry Donation Process. To donate professional clothing, we ask that you please notify us in advance to schedule a drop-off appointment  

Donation Items That We Do Accept  

We gladly accept new, unopened, and non-expired items in good condition, including:  

  • Shelf-Stable Food  
  • Shelf-Stable Milk & Dairy Alternatives  
  • Personal Hygiene Items  
  • Baby Items  
  • Fresh or Frozen Items (only with prior coordination – please email us first!) 

 

Donation Items That We Do Not Accept  

To maintain quality and safety, we ask that you do not donate the following:  

  • Expired Food or Opened Items  
  • Damaged Packaging or Dented Cans  
  • Used or Opened Personal Care Products  
  • Perishable Items Without Prior Communication  
  • Clothing, Shoes, or Accessories*  
  • School Supplies, Furniture, or Household Goods 

Are you interested in what items are most needed in the food pantry? Here is a link to our current registry – HSC Food Pantry Registry. Please feel free to drop off any items you’d like to donate and items from our wish list in Room 180 of the Student Services Center. Additionally, items from our wish list can be shipped directly to the address listed on our registry. We appreciate your generosity. 

Need assistance in making a wish list purchase? A guide to making a wish list purchase through Walmart can be found here.  A guide to making a wish list purchase through Amazon can be found here.

 

Hsc Food Pantry blue explanation flyer

Questions? Email sarc@unthsc.edu