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 and check in with your CougarCard to shop. Bring reusable bags if you can. Students may visit once per week to shop.
Available items include:
- Nonperishable pantry staples (e.g., rice, pasta, canned goods)
- Milk, eggs, bread and butter
- Instant meals and snacks
- Toiletries and hygiene products (e.g., toothpaste, soap, feminine hygiene items)
Grab and Go: Twice a week, stop by to pick up a ready-to-eat meal and small snack—great for busy days.
Location and hours
The Cougar Food Pantry is located in the Library Building, Room 240.
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 1–3:30 p.m. |
| Tuesday | 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. 4–5:30 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 1–3:30 p.m. |
| Thursday | 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. |
| Friday | 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. |
*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.
Hot Meal Tuesdays
Every Tuesday from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., currently enrolled students who have paid the Service & Activities Fee can enjoy free, freshly prepared meals. Bring your CougarCard.
Upcoming Meals
Tuesday, February 3 – Build-Your-Own Chicken and Vegetarian Tacos
Location: Firstenburg Student Commons Kitchen
Seasoned fajita chicken, savory beans, sautéed vegetables, warm tortillas, and a variety of fresh taco toppings.
Tuesday, February 10 – Teriyaki Chicken and Yakisoba Noodles
Location: Firstenburg Student Commons Kitchen
Teriyaki-glazed chicken, yakisoba noodles, colorful stir-fry vegetables, and a vegetarian tofu option.
Tuesday, February 17 – Red Chile Enchilada Bake
Location: Firstenburg Student Commons Kitchen
Hearty red chile chicken enchilada bake, with a vegetarian red chile and bean option.
Tuesday, February 24 – Spaghetti & Meatballs with Garlic Bread
Location: VDEN 130
Classic spaghetti topped with savory meatballs and garlic bread, with a vegetarian marinara option.
Donation guide
Donate food or supplies
Donations are accepted in Library Building, Room 240.
Hours: 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, spaghetti, ravioli, 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 items
- Cleaning supplies
- Personal hygiene products (e.g., toothpaste, soap, feminine hygiene items)
- Reusable bags
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.