The food pantry supports students who need food assistance.
We know it can be hard to make ends meet when paying for college on a tight budget. The Cougar Food Pantry provides free food to students experiencing food insecurity, helping you gather ingredients to make nutritious, filling meals and snacks.
Using the food pantry
Drop-in during open-hours to shop for what you need. Check in with your CougarCard.
Available items include:
- Nonperishable pantry staples (e.g., rice, pasta, canned goods)
- Milk and eggs
- Toiletries and hygiene products (e.g., toothpaste, soap, feminine hygiene items)
Bringing reusable bags is encouraged.
Location and hours
The Cougar Food Pantry is located in the Library Building, Room 240.
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday – Thursday | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. |
Students must be enrolled in summer classes at WSU Vancouver to use the pantry. (Enrollment in Global Campus courses does not qualify.)
*The Cougar Food Pantry is closed during campus closures, including holidays and breaks.
Eligibility
- Currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate WSU Vancouver students.
- Clark College nursing students studying at the WSU Vancouver campus.
- Senior students who are auditing classes are not eligible.
Donation guide
Donate food or supplies
Donations are accepted in Library Building, Room 240 from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Monday – Friday.
To arrange for an alternative time, email van.foodpantry@wsu.edu.
- Beans (canned or dry)
- Bread
- Boxed milk (dairy, soy, almond)
- Canned fruits and vegetables
- Canned meals (soups, stew, chili)
- Canned meat (tuna, chicken, spam)
- Cereal
- Dry goods (flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, etc.)
- Eggs
- Instant meals (Cup Noodles, Chef Boyardee, etc.)
- Instant potatoes
- Macaroni and cheese
- Milk – dairy and non-dairy
- Mixes (muffins, cookies, bread, etc.)
- Oatmeal packets
- Oil – cooking oils (vegetable, olive, etc.)
- Pancake mix
- Pasta and sauce
- Peanut butter
- Rice
- Seasoning (garlic powder, garlic salt, salt, pepper, cinnamon, etc.)
- Snack-type items
- Cleaning supplies
- Personal hygiene products (e.g., toothpaste, soap, feminine hygiene items)
Host a food drive
Want to host a food drive for the Cougar Food Pantry? Email van.foodpantry@wsu.edu for a guide, donation list and a template. The food pantry accepts unexpired, nonperishable food items and toiletries. After the event, reach out to coordinate donation drop-off. Your efforts help keep the pantry stocked for students in need.
Make a gift
Support the Cougar Food Pantry through the WSU Foundation’s online giving site.
Community resources
If you’re not a WSU Vancouver student, or if you need additional support, explore the Community Resource Guide. It highlights local programs and organizations that help with basic needs such as food, clothing, housing, mental health support and more.
The Cougar Food Pantry is a member of the Swipe Out Hunger network.