How to Support 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.
What to Donate:
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, body washes
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Toilet paper and paper towels
*Need more inspiration? Check out Feeding America’s ideas on what to donate and what not to donate.
How to Donate:
For large donation amounts or perishable donations please reach out to our Vandal Food Pantry directly at foodpantry@uidaho.edu
Small scale non-perishable donations can be dropped off in our pantry collection bins conveniently located on campus. Foods must have clear expiration dates, be non-expired, with the label and container intact. We cannot take homemade goods or bulk foods.
- Shoup Hall, outside the main entrance
- Bruce Pitman Center, outside the main entrance facing the VandalStore.
We accept monetary donations and this form of support is incredibly helpful and efficient for our pantry staff to manage. It allows us to purchase the exact products needed at the time.
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, body washes
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Toilet paper and paper towels
Need more inspiration? Check out Feeding America’s ideas on what to donate and what not to donate.
Food drives are a great way to support the Vandal Food Pantry throughout the year. Food drives can be held in your department, unit, living group, or off-campus organization.
Please reach out to us at foodpantry@uidaho.edu prior to your drive to determine needs and amount, coordinate food pick-up, and discuss ideas and best practices.
We invite students, staff, and faculty volunteers to help us with our Mobile Food Pantry and managing the Shoup Hall main pantry.
Mobile Food Pantry
Volunteer for the Mobile Food Pantry on the first Wednesday of each month, noon to 1 p.m. in Parking Lot 60. Volunteers will be asked to help load food items into vehicles and collect qualifying information from participants. The Mobile Food Pantry occurs every month, regardless of weather, so volunteers should dress to be outside for the duration of the shift.
Vandal Food Pantry Site
Located in Shoup Hall 105, volunteers will be asked to help stock shelves, check expiration dates, collect information and keep the space clean. Shifts are available Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sign up for a volunteer shift with the Vandal Food Pantry.
Volunteers will be asked to complete a brief training and to sign a waiver before their shift. Volunteers can reference the Operational Guidelines for guidance of how our pantry is maintained.