• Bearcat Pantry
  • Bearcat Pantry

Notice: The Bearcat Pantry is open for student entry again. If you would prefer to access our resources in a different manner or like any other accommodations, please email soar-center@willamette.edu.

The Bearcat Pantry provides resources for students who may identify as food insecure or who may face uncertainty about where their next meal is coming from. The pantry contains a selection of fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, and canned), proteins, dairy, grains, and other staples. The pantry is sometimes limited to what is in stock but does its best to make sure there are fresh produce and some non-food items, such as feminine hygiene products and Tupperware.

  • The pantry is free to use by all Willamette University students.
  • The pantry is staffed by volunteers and is overseen by student coordinators. All staff and volunteers who support this service are trained to ensure that pantry usage is as private as possible.

Donate

Thank you for your interest in donating! Come to the pantry during our operating hours to drop-off items or send an email to soar-center@willamette.edu to arrange another time. We also have a donation bin in the Bistro.

The SOAR Center also has a donation collection program, the WU Community Resource Program (WUCRP). Inspired by the Ashland Food Project, WUCRP seeks to eliminate logistical barriers that prevent Willamette staff and faculty from donating to the SOAR Center. On the first Monday of the month, SOAR Center coordinators visit each donor’s workplace on campus and collect donations. The bags will then be collected on the following Monday. This process is a simple and sustainable way to contribute to our Willamette community. To sign up to contribute to this program, please complete this form.  

Monetary donations are also welcomed. Please follow this link for instructions

The Bearcat Pantry also has partnered with Swipe Out Hunger to allow students to donate unused meal points. Students interested in donating meal points to other peers, or who are receiving meals through this program, can read about the process here.

Fall 2023 Hours

The SOAR Center is closed for winter break starting on December 9, 2023. It will reopen on January 16, 2024.

Monday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Our Support

Bearcat Pantry is happy to work with community partners such as Marion Polk Food ShareWillamette AcademyBoys & Girls Club, and Salem Harvest, who we receive donations from on a weekly basis.

The following items are the most frequently requested by students:

Non-perishable Perishable Non-food
Mac & cheese Fruit Hygiene products 
Clif bars Dairy milk Deodorant
Cereal Cheese Toothpaste
Nut butter Butter Toothbrushes
Milk alternatives (coconut/almond) Meat Condoms
Granola Yogurt Household cleaning supplies
Juice Eggs Razors
Gluten-free bread Fresh produce Cooking supplies
Canned soup Bread Basic first-aid items

Please feel free to donate other items not listed above. If you have any questions, you can email us at food-pantry@willamette.edu

The Bearcat Pantry is a part of the SOAR Center, which can be found down the hall on the 3rd floor of Putnam University Center.

Willamette University

Bearcat Pantry

Address
900 State St.
Salem Oregon 97301 U.S.A.
Phone
503-370-6407 fax

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