Main Content
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Welcome to the Pantry
The Pantry at UW Tacoma is a vital resource that goes beyond food distribution. We are a beacon of support for our diverse community, striving to address the unique needs of our students.
As a food pantry, we collaborate with food banks and dedicated staff and volunteers across campus to ensure that hundreds of students receive nourishing meals each week.
Recognizing the distinct challenges faced by various communities and students, The Pantry serves as a bridge to overcome barriers that might otherwise hinder access to essential food resources. We are not just a place that provides sustenance; we are a community-driven initiative committed to fostering a supportive environment where every student can thrive. Join us at The Pantry, where we believe in breaking down barriers and nourishing both the body and the spirit of our UW Tacoma community.
Hours and Location (WPH 010)
Hours posted daily on Instagram @uwtpantry
Mon | 10-4:45pm |
Tue | 10-4:45pm |
Wed | 10-4:45pm |
Thu | 10-4:45pm |
Fri | 10-4:45pm |
Step by Step guide to accessing Pantry
1. Come to Pantry
Show us your UW Student ID and then you will be prompted to complete a "first time visitor form" or a "return user form" before shopping.
2. Shop what you want
Patrons can visit once a week to the Pantry and take up to 20 items each week. We offer gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, halal, kosher, and lactose-free options. Find baking supplies, seasonings, diapers (various sizes), toothbrushes, toothpaste, toilet paper, and menstrual products.
3. Checkout your items
Once you've finished shopping, a staff member will weigh your items and record the information on our forms.
Resources
Explore campus and community resources to support your growth.
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Shop for free
Students are welcome to shop in person once per week and select up to 20 items, or about 2-3 days’ worth of food. We provide shelf stable products, fresh produce, frozen foods and many more for free.
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Meet our Staff
Meet our dedicated student workers who are striving to provide clean and fresh products.
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Support the Pantry
Help us stock our shelves! Your donation ensures we can provide essential food and hygiene items to those in need.
Our Vision
Our mission is to ensure every student has access to free supplemental, nutritious, and culturally relevant food, along with essential hygiene items.
As a collaborative effort between the CEI, Nourish Pierce County, Giving Garden and various campus organizations, we are dedicated to fostering a community that supports one another. Step into The Pantry and experience the warmth of a caring network, providing not just sustenance, but also the assurance of continued support throughout your journey at UW Tacoma. Your well-being is our priority, and we invite you to explore the resources we offer, making your time here nourishing in every sense.
Our History
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Picture of Dr Christine Stevens (founder of Food Pantry) and Nedralani Mailo (First UWT Pantry Supervisor)
In 2015, Dr. Christine Stevens noticed the increasing food insecurity among her students, so she conducted a campus-wide student survey, the results of which showed that 36% of students were skipping meals due to food insecurity.
Dr. Stevens collaborated with the Center for Equity and Inclusion to establish a food bank for UW Tacoma students and in 2016, the Pantry was started in a storage room in Dougan 107.Nedralani Mailo was the first Pantry supervisor who changed the Pantry into a welcoming space. Dr. Deidre Raynor (interim Vice chancellor of Equity and Inclusion) sought to bring refrigeration to the pantry to increase the range of offerings. Since 2016, Dr. Stevens has conducted research every two years to monitor UW Tacoma student food insecurity. In 2022, the survey demonstrated that 48% of students met the criteria for low food security.
Since the start of The Pantry, strategies that have been used are cooking demonstrations, introduction of cultural foods and fundraising to support the Pantry. In February, 2024, the Pantry moved to its current location in WPH 010. The new location is more than twice as big and is more suitable for food preparation and storage with a 3-compartment sink, storage, bigger fridge and dedicated freezer allowing for a wider range and amount of offerings.
Host a Food Drive?
Supporting the pantry can be as simple as adding a Food Drive to your upcoming event. Hosting a food drive is easy and adds a meaningful element to your event.
Amazon Wishlist
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We also have an Amazon Wishlist! If you purchase items from this list, you can have it delivered directly to campus.
Huskies Care
Check out Huskies Care, the UW Tacoma hub for all resources for basic needs