A. Ray Olpin University Union

The Feed U Food Pantry at the University of Utah is a program crafted to engage and fulfill the duty of making sure no individuals at the university go hungry. It began with the Office of Engagement’s Kitchen Shelves Project in 2014, hoping to destigmatize the idea of people accepting assistance in a time of need. It is now a student-run organization, led by Executive Director, Nick Knight.

The Feed U Pantry has continued to grow since last year. So far, the pantry has served over 1,400 University of Utah community members and their families with over 14,000 pounds of food. With the holidays coming up, the pantry is about to see its busiest season. November and December are the hardest months for the pantry because scholarship and grant money for students begins to run out. At the same time, final exams and assignments cause additional stress as the year comes to a close. The pantry is proud to serve students and community members in their greatest time of need.

The Feed U Pantry is run by volunteers and is supported by donations. Here are some ways someone may help with the pantry:

Volunteer:

People may volunteer to staff the pantry and help with tabling events next semester. More info may be found on the pantry website, feedu.utah.edu

Donations:

The most popular items are peanut butter, jelly, ramen, dry pasta, beans, cereal, oatmeal, canned fruit and granola bars. Hygiene items like deodorant, soap, shampoo, razors, and tampons are also appreciated. Items may be accepted if they are unopened, non-expired, and individually packaged and labeled. Bulk items are accepted, though smaller portioned-items are preferred by the pantry.

Here is a guide with more information on the FeedU Pantry website: Donation Guide

Thank you so much to the Directors of the pantry for all of the hard work you have put into helping our students in their time of need.