DU Food Pantry

The Center for a Regenerative Future

shelves in the food pantry

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.  

Spring Quarter 2024 Update:

The Food Pantry will distribute pre-packaged bags that cater to specific diets, fresh produce provided by Sodexo, and grab-and-go items donated to the Pantry.

How often can Patrons pick up a bag?

  • Food Pantry Patrons are invited to pick up 1 bag per week. Bags can be picked up on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 2-6 pm.
  • Pre-registration is not required to pick up a bag. Bags will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis.

What’s included in a bag?

  • The Food Pantry will offer four kinds of bags: Omnivore, Vegetarian, Vegan, and Gluten free. Each bag will include about 10 items.

Additionally, the Food Pantry will be hosting community dinners every Friday evening in the Global Kitchen. See more information below.

CFS Community Dinner

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

If you need additional resources, see our list of Denver Metro Area Resources HERE.

Visitors are provided with up to one bag of food per week; 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. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own reusable grocery bag to reduce waste, but bags are provided if needed. 

The Food Pantry is entirely funded through monetary donations. If you would like to support the Pantry monetarily, please use this link (igfn.us/form/YOrT9A) or text SUSTAINDU to 41444. Any money donated this way goes directly to purchasing food for patrons and paying the salaries of the dedicated student staff who make the Food Pantry possible. 

What is Food Insecurity?

Feeding American defines food insecurity as "a household’s inability to provide enough food for every person to live 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. Right now, one in nine Americans are considered to be food insecure. 

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 DUFOODPANTRY to 41444.