Pitch in to help stock the EWU Food Pantry

MISSION:  The EWU Food Pantry Program aims to alleviate hunger and foster a healthy and welcoming community by providing access to nutritious food.

The EWU Food Pantry was created in response to a 2016 study completed by EWU’s Department of Health and Wellness that found 33-percent of students have run out of food at some point, and 36-percent have worried where they will get their next meal. These findings show that Eastern students are facing food insecurity at a rate that is double the average for the average American household. At that time, the pantry served about 100 students per week.

Nearly a decade later, of the 9,700 students attending 39 colleges and universities across the state of Washington who participated in a food insecurity survey, 38% reported they’d experienced food insecurity during the prior 30 days. Of the 453 EWU students who responded, 44% reported they’d lacked reliable access to affordable food. And the numbers continue to increase.

“We are seeing more than half our students struggle with financial challenges” said one food pantry volunteer. “We know financial aid doesn’t cover everything it needs to cover and that students are left struggling.”

EWU students, staff, and faculty are invited to take what they need from the cabinets and central pantry. There is no need to qualify; the pantry is open to any Eag in need. The Food Pantry currently serves 300-400 people per week throughout the campus community.