Big Blue Pantry FAQ

What do I do when I visit the Big Blue Pantry?

It's easy! When you come visit the Big Blue Pantry, you'll be invited to take one of our reusable bags and fill it with whatever you need from our shelves. Once you have finished, you will weigh your bag (there is no weight limit) and fill out a short digital survey. All information is kept confidential. You will need your UK ID number for the survey.

What items can be found in the pantry?

We have canned foods, dry goods (rice, pasta, noodles, cereal), "heat and eat" meals, common kitchen staples like milk, bread, butter, cheese, etc., and personal care items such as shampoo, soap/body wash, toothbrushes, toothpaste, menstrual hygiene items, and shaving products. We also try to keep small quantities of meat and fresh produce, but those items tend to go quickly!

How often is the pantry restocked?

The pantry is typically restocked at least twice a week.

Is there a limit of how many times a person can visit the pantry?

No. You may visit the pantry as many times as you need to.

Where is the pantry located?

The pantry is located in room 025 of Whitehall Classroom Building. It is located next to the Post Office. We hope to have other locations on campus in the future.

Do you accept donations?

Yes! We accept both shelf-stable food donations as well as monetary donations. We ask that the items donated be new and unopened. We are not able to accept partially used or previously opened items (except for boxes of individually wrapped items, such as granola bars or microwave popcorn) and we cannot accept items that are past their expiration date. Monetary donations can be made through our UK Network for Good page. We are not able to accept any cash or checks in the pantry.

I want to donate to the pantry - what items are needed most?

We are always in need of the following items:

Canned Tuna and other canned meats (Chicken, Vienna Sausages, Spam, etc.)

Jellies, Jams, and Peanut Butter (or similar items such as Almond Butter or Nutella)

Peanut Butter & Crackers or Cheese & Crackers Snack Packs

Granola or Cereal Bars

Pop-tarts

Cereal

Fruit Cups

Individual Mac and Cheese Bowls

Ramen (all types)

Dry Pasta and Rice

Pasta Sauces

Condiments (Ketchup, Mustard, Mayo, Soy Sauce, Hot Sauce)

Spices (Salt and Pepper, Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning, Paprika, etc.)

Cleaning Supplies (Dish soap, Laundry Detergent or Pods, Lysol Wipes, etc.)

Shampoo, Conditioner, and Body Wash

Tampons and Pads (all sizes)

Disposable Razors and Shaving Cream

Manual Can-Openers