DU Food Pantry

The Center for Sustainability

National studies show that students in higher education are highly vulnerable to food and housing insecurity. We know this is the case at DU, as well. The DU Food Pantry exists as a free and open resource for anyone with a DU ID number to supplement their weekly food supply in times of need. New visitors are asked to fill out a short demographic survey.  

COVID19 UPDATE

In an effort to reduce risk and exposure to our users and staff at the Food Pantry, we will be operating differently for the Fall Quarter and until further notice. Food Pantry users will no longer be allowed to shop for their own food; instead, we will provide pre-packed boxes that you will be able to pick up in a low-contact way.

Food Pantry Operations will resume during Week 1 of the Fall Quarter

Pickups will continue to be on Tuesdays 4pm-8pm during classes and 2pm-6pm during breaks.

Bags can be picked up on the Williams Street side of Centennial Towers. All users will be required to be wearing a mask when they pick up their box.

We are asking all users to request food boxes in advance. Food Box requests must be completed the Saturday before the scheduled pick-up day. Fill out the form to request your box HERE.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to foodpantry@du.edu.

Hours

Tuesdays 4 pm-8 pm during classes
Tuesdays 2 pm-6 pm during breaks

If you are unable to make it to our drop-in hours, you can schedule an appointment by contacting foodpantry@du.edu.

The DU Food Pantry is located in the Center for Sustainability, on the first floor of the Centennial Towers residence hall.

Visitors are provided with up to one bag of food per week. New visitors will get a free reusable bag and are expected to bring this with them on future visits. This is to reduce the waste generated by food pantry visits and also to ensure that this shared resource is able to serve all who need it.

What is Food Insecurity?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines food insecurity as a lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life. It is important to know that though hunger and food insecurity are closely related, they are distinct concepts. Hunger refers to a personal, physical sensation of discomfort, while food insecurity refers to a lack of available financial resources for food at the household level.

Donations

The Food Pantry is supported entirely by food and monetary donations by departments and individuals in the DU community. We are endlessly grateful for the support that we have received and will continue to receive from the DU community. 

  • Food Drives: Every year, dozens of groups on campus come together to collect boxes of food for the Pantry. If you would like to run a food drive for your department, club, team, class or organization, email foodpantry@du.edu for signage and instructions. 

  • Individual Donations: If you would like to donate food to the pantry as an individual, simply stop by the Center for Sustainability during business hours.

  • Monetary Donations: When food donations are not enough for our regular operations, we supplement with store-bought food paid for by generous monetary donations from our partners and friends around campus; Sodexo and Aramark have been exceptionally generous donors! If you would like to provide a monetary gift, visit the Advancement website or simply text FOODPANTRY to 41444.