UMass Amherst Tackles Food Insecurity with New Campus Pantry

In a groundbreaking partnership, the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the Amherst Survival Center are joining forces to address food insecurity among students and employees. The new Campus Food Pantry, set to open in the fall of 2025, will provide a centralized hub for accessing essential food resources and support services on campus.

Empowering the UMass Community to Thrive

Addressing a Critical Need

The announcement of the Campus Food Pantry comes at a critical time, as the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the issue of food insecurity among college students nationwide. According to recent studies, one in three college students face food insecurity, a staggering statistic that highlights the urgent need for comprehensive solutions. The new pantry aims to alleviate this burden, ensuring that UMass students and employees can focus on their academic and professional pursuits without the constant worry of where their next meal will come from.

A Collaborative Approach

The partnership between UMass and the Amherst Survival Center represents a holistic approach to addressing food insecurity on campus. The Survival Center, a well-established community organization, will operate and staff the pantry, leveraging its expertise and resources to provide a wide range of non-perishable and fresh food items. The university, in turn, will provide the necessary funding and infrastructure to make the pantry a reality, demonstrating its commitment to supporting the well-being of its community.

Centralized Access to Basic Needs

The Campus Food Pantry will serve as a hub for the Dean of Students Office's basic needs initiative, which aims to streamline access to various support services on campus. This includes the Student Care Supply Closet and the student-run Food Recovery Network, ensuring that leftover food from campus dining halls is not wasted but instead redirected to those in need. By consolidating these resources, the university is creating a comprehensive support system that addresses the multifaceted challenges faced by students and employees experiencing food insecurity.

Leveraging Community Partnerships

The success of the Campus Food Pantry is bolstered by the strong support from local and regional stakeholders. The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts will provide a steady supply of non-perishable and fresh food items, while state legislators and members of Congress have expressed their enthusiasm for the initiative. This community-wide collaboration underscores the shared commitment to addressing food insecurity and ensuring that the UMass community has access to the resources they need to thrive.

Fostering a Supportive Campus Environment

Chancellor Javier Reyes emphasizes the university's deep commitment to creating a living-learning environment where economically disadvantaged students are supported in their educational pursuits. The Campus Food Pantry represents a tangible manifestation of this commitment, providing a safe and accessible space for students and employees to access essential food resources. By addressing this critical need, UMass is taking a significant step towards fostering a more inclusive and equitable campus community.

Expanding the Reach of the Amherst Survival Center

The partnership with UMass will also benefit the Amherst Survival Center, which has seen a significant increase in demand for its services in recent years. The new campus-based pantry will allow the center to reach a wider audience and provide a more tailored approach to meeting the specific needs of the university community. This collaboration not only strengthens the center's ability to combat food insecurity but also serves as a model for how community organizations and academic institutions can work together to address complex social challenges.