The Pantry

The Pantry exists to provide free supplemental, nutritious, and culturally relevant food as well as hygiene items to any UW Tacoma student. The CEI partners with Nourish Pierce County and several other organizations on campus to provide this service and created continued support.

MISSION OF THE PANTRY

The Pantry aims to ensure that all students have access to healthy food and basic need items. We serve a diverse student population, which calls for services that can fit their needs. We provide culturally relevant food items to foster a sense of belonging. We continue to consult with students on food item suggestions to ensure their voices are being heard. 

HOW TO RECEIVE FOOD/HYGIENE ITEMS 

• The Pantry is open for in-person shopping. 
• Patrons can visit once a week to the Pantry and take up 20 items each week.  
• Please continue practicing social-distancing with other patrons of the Pantry and Pantry employees. Only 2 patrons will be allowed in the Pantry at a time.
• If you are sick, we ask that you kindly wait til you recover to access the Pantry.
• The Pantry does not operate on Saturday and Sunday.
• In an effort to promote sustainability, the Pantry will no longer provide bags for patrons beginning in Fall 2023. Please remember to bring your own bags!

PROCESS

• Upon arriving to the Pantry, students will be required to show their UW student ID.
• Students will be prompted to complete a "first time visitor form" or a "return user form" before shopping.
• Once shopping is complete, orders will be weighed  

WHAT DO WE OFFER?

The Pantry provides a variety of different food options, both perishable and non-perishable food items that accommodate different dietary needs such as gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, halal, kosher and lactose-free items. There is also a selection of seasonings and baking products. 

We have a fridge and freezer which allows us to have perishable items such as produce and dairy products. During the summer, we often have fresh fruits and vegetables donated to us by the UWT Giving Garden!

Hygiene items are also available such as menstrual products, toothbrushes, toothpastes, toilet paper, and baby diapers ranging from different sizes.

If we're missing something you need, please let us know using this survey!

For special circumstances please contact the Pantry via email or phone call.