Basic needs and food insecurity resources

No Vandal should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from or how to access essential items. University of Idaho is committed to supporting students facing food insecurity and other basic needs challenges by offering a range of resources such as campus food pantries, meal assistance programs and Basic Needs Kits with hygiene products, school supplies and other daily essentials.  Whether you need immediate help or short-term solutions, we’re here to help you stay focused on what matters most — your education and well-being.

We want you to focus on your studies and work without the burden of food insecurity. The Vandal Food Pantry (VFP) is a donation-based pantry, or food bank, that aims to serve those in our Vandal community who are facing short-term food insecurity. It is designed and managed by Vandals, for Vandals, and offers a variety of non-perishable foods and other household and hygiene products to those in need.

This donation driven resource is free and open to all. The use of this service does not require you give personal information.

• Location: Shoup Hall, Room 105
• Hours: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during the academic year | Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (as staffing allows) or by appointment during the summer.
• Parking: Metered parking is available on Sixth Street. Gold, orange and silver lots are also nearby. 

Email Sandra Kelly if you need help getting food at the Vandal Food Pantry. 

We rely on your kind donations to keep our pantry stocked. The Vandal Food Pantry can accept food and hygiene items that have intact packaging, are within code dates and are stable at room temperature. 

We can accept non-perishable food donations from the community through the donation bins and in the pantry. We have the ability to accept perishable food exclusively from local grocery stores, campus dining and other food service organizations.

As delicious as it may be, we cannot accept homemade food, leftovers or baked goods. Nor can we accept frozen or repackaged bulk foods.

Commonly requested items:

• Canned meat, fruit or chili
• Dry beans, rice or pasta
• Cereal and oatmeal
• Peanut butter
• Spices
• Flour, sugar, baking mixes and cooking oil
• Toothpaste and toothbrushes
• Deodorant, soaps and body washes
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Toilet paper and paper towels

We also accept monetary donations and this form of support is incredibly helpful. It allows us to purchase the exact products needed at the time.

Need more inspiration? Check out Feeding America’s ideas on what to donate and what not to donate.

For large donation amounts or perishable donations please email Sandra Kelly, our Vandal Food Pantry manager.

Small scale non-perishable donations can be dropped off in our pantry collection bins conveniently located on campus.  

• Shoup Hall, outside the main entrance
• Bruce Pitman Center, outside the main entrance facing the VandalStore.  

Idaho Eats Swipe Out Hunger program provides quick, short-term relief to current students and employees.

If any U of I student or employee are experiencing food insecurity, they may receive a limited number of emergency meal swipes to campus dining facilities.  

To receive these swipes, please submit a VandalCARE referral and you will be connected with a VandalCARE representative to assist you.

Basic Needs Kits

Basic Needs Kits are available for students who are experiencing financial difficulties and need access to basic needs items, including hygiene products, health care items and more.  

To access a Basic Needs Kit, please visit the Dean of Students Office (TLC 232) and request a kit, or submit a VandalCare referral and select “Basic Needs Kit request” for the report type.