In 2014, a small group of University of Northern Colorado students started a food pantry out of a dormitory closet with just a few canned goods. That labor of love has since grown into a fully operational resource in the heart of campus, made possible in part by a $310,000 grant from The Weld Trust.
“Food stability is important for everyone to thrive,” said Chief Executive Officer for The Weld Trust, Jeff Carlson. “We are proud to support programs like the Bear Pantry that not only provide nutritious food but also help students focus on their education.”
The Bear Pantry serves students and faculty four days a week and offers food and drinks, household supplies, hygiene and health essentials. With grant support, the pantry added refrigerators, allowing it to stock fresh items such as milk, cheese, and meat.
“Supporting these needs has been so impactful for students,” Taylor Schiestel, the Director of the Center for Student Well-Being, said. “If students are going hungry, they aren’t going to be successful.”
The Bear Pantry offers more than food on the shelves. Volunteers and student workers help shoppers learn how to budget and make the most of their resources. Students and faculty may select up to seven items per week, though many items are offered as two-for-one or even three-for-one. This system helps shoppers stretch their choices and plan nutritious meals.
“We are licensed with the health department and can take meals leftover from UNC Catering to repackage and hand out here to help reduce food waste, Schiestel said.”
The health department also supports hands-on cooking demonstrations using ingredients commonly found at the Bear Pantry.
During the SNAP benefits freeze in November, the Center for Student Well-Being identified students at risk of food insecurity and provided King Soopers gift cards. Schiestel noted that the center was able to respond quickly in part because of the strong support the program has received.
“The number of volunteers and community partners who want to be involved has really grown,” Schiestel said. “We have gained so much support.”
The Bear Pantry raised $28,000 in donations from October-December from community donations.
To learn more about the Bear Pantry or to donate click here.
Students served by the Bear Pantry
Fall 2024 – 717
Spring 2024 – 930
Fall 2025 – 1121