The Bear Pantry, created in 2019, exists to provide a sense of belonging and inclusion, support students’ basic needs and combat food insecurity on campus. Last year, the Enrollment Management team sponsored the first annual Bears Can-Do Food Drive and raised the equivalent of 2,749.2 pounds of food and supplies for the Bear Pantry. This year, we are again inviting Every Bear from Every Where to participate and surpass last year’s donations.

Need to Know Details 

The drive will take place from November 2nd through November 30th.

You may take donations directly to the Bear Pantry during operating hours; or as an office or organization, you may choose to deliver all items at once. Whatever you choose to do, don’t forget to complete the donation form while at the Bear Pantry to receive Can-Do credit! In a rush? Download the  Bear Pantry Donation Form and bring it with you!

Financial donations are also accepted through our crowdsourcing page. Be sure to include all your details for accurate tracking and awarding.

Fall 2026 Donation Hours

• Monday | 4.p.m. – 7p.m.
  • Donations can be taken in as early as 10:00am 
• Tuesday | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Wednesday | 10 a.m. – 4p.m.
• Thursday | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Friday | CLOSED

The Bear Pantry will be closed for Thanksgiving break: November 21-29.

What Can Be Donated?

The Bear Pantry accepts many items for donation. Shelf stable items like canned and dried goods, or herbs and spices; even perishable items like fresh produce, eggs, and dairy products. You can also donate general household items like cleaning supplies, paper goods, hygiene items, etc. See the donation guides below for more ideas:

Food Items

Canned/Jarred Goods	Dry Goods	Other	Seasonings/Spices
Meats: salmon, tuna, chicken  Vegetables (reduced, low sodium): mixed vegetable, green beans, corn, carrots, beans, etc.  Pasta sauce  Peanut butter: creamy or crunchy  Canned soups and pastas (reduced, low sodium preferred)  Canned fruit (packed in juice)	Dried legumes: lentils, beans, etc.  Grains: microwavable brown rice, quinoa, etc.  Whole grain pasta  Oatmeal (container and instant reduced sugar packets)  Cereal: Cheerios, Life, Special K, shredded wheat, bran, etc.  Granola bars  Macaroni and cheese (box and microwavable)	Cottage cheese  Greek yogurt or low-fat yogurt  Fresh produce  Snack items: chips, trail mix, etc.  Healthy cooking oils: olive, avocado, etc.	Salt and pepper  Ground spices: coriander, curry, turmeric, ginger, etc. Chili powder  Onion powder  Garlic powder

 

Non-Food Items

Hygiene Items	Household Items
Hand sanitizer Band aids Triple antibiotic ointment Mouth rinse and toothpaste  Deodorant Hand soap Facial cleanser Body wash Body lotion Shampoo and conditioner Feminine hygiene products	Paper towels Toilet paper Paper plates Trash bags Disinfecting wipes Laundry detergent pods Dryer sheets Dish soap All-purpose cleaner School supplies

Please note that at this time, kosher and Hallal items cannot be accepted. Due to limited space and resources, special handling and storage of these items cannot be guaranteed. If you are in need of kosher or Hallal items, please contact the Bear Pantry directly for resources.

 

How Does My Organization Win?

To win, your organization must donate the most food/funds per person. For example, if two teams both donate 100 pounds of food (or the equivalent with consideration to financial donations) and Team A has 10 team members and Team B has 20, Team A will win.

Team A: 100 pounds = 10 people x 10 pounds per person

Team B: 100 pounds = 20 people x 5 pounds per person

 

Special Considerations for Monetary Donations

In order for an organization, office, or department to receive credit, the donor will need to indicate which area they are donating on behalf of. Be sure to write the full name of the organization without any abbreviations to prevent miscrediting.

LETS SHOW EVERYONE THAT BEARS CAN-DO FOOD DRIVES!

 

DONATE

 

Want to help the Bear Pantry in other ways?

Shop our Amazon Wishlist

Set up recurring donations through payroll deduction

Volunteer your time