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 and healthcare items and household 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.

Campus and Community Food Resources

There are many food cupboards, pantries and free meals offered on the Moscow campus and in the community. Our interactive campus map can help you find the resources closest to you.

This list of food resources also outlines where to find free snacks, meals and groceries in Moscow, which resources are close to Smart Transit bus stops, and how you can apply for SNAP benefits as a college student.

If you live outside of Moscow and need assistance finding food in your area, please send us an email at vandalcare@uidaho.edu. 

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: Weekdays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• 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 essential items for hygiene, healthcare and their households. For example, the Dean of Students Office has a supply of items like shampoo and soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste, menstrual care products, aspirin and Tylenol, and plates and utensils.

To request an individualized Basic Needs Kit, please visit the Dean of Students Office (TLC 232) or refer yourself to VandalCARE and let us know that you need a kit.