Cougar Food Pantry

WSU Vancouver is committed to supporting student success by addressing basic needs through the Cougar Food Pantry. Navigating a college budget is challenging, and no student should have to choose between their education and a nutritious meal. The pantry provides a reliable source of free food and essential supplies for students experiencing food insecurity, ensuring the community remains healthy and focused on their academic goals.

By providing a variety of shelf-stable goods, fresh staples, and hygiene products, the Cougar Food Pantry serves as a vital campus resource. Whether you need ingredients for a week of meals or a quick snack between classes, the pantry offers a welcoming, confidential space to access the support you need.

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.

Using the Food Pantry

Drop in during open hours and check in with a CougarCard to shop. Bring reusable bags if possible. Students may visit once per week.

Available items include:

  • Nonperishable pantry staples (rice, pasta, canned goods)
  • Milk, eggs, bread, and butter
  • Instant meals and snacks
  • Toiletries and hygiene products (toothpaste, soap, feminine hygiene items)

Grab and Go:

Once a week, students may pick up a ready-to-eat meal and a small snack for busy days.

Questions

Schedule

DayHours
Monday1:00pm – 3:30pm
Tuesday11:00am – 1:30pm
4:00pm – 5:30pm
Wednesday1:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Thursday11:00am – 1:30pm
Friday10:00am – 12:30pm
Note: The pantry is closed during campus closures, including holidays and breaks.

Hot Meal Program

Free, freshly prepared meals are available during food pantry hours for currently enrolled students who have paid the Service & Activities Fee. Meals are hosted in the food pantry; please bring a CougarCard.

Cougar Food Pantry grabbing a free meal

Donation Guide

Accepted Items:

  • Food: Beans, bread, boxed milk, canned fruits/vegetables, canned meats, cereal, dry baking goods, eggs, instant meals, pasta and sauce, peanut butter, and rice.
  • Supplies: Cleaning supplies, personal hygiene products, and reusable bags.

Host a Food Drive To host a drive for the Cougar Food Pantry, email van.foodpantry@wsu.edu for a guide, donation list, and template. The pantry accepts unexpired, nonperishable food items and toiletries.

Make a Gift Support the Cougar Food Pantry through the WSU Foundation’s online giving site. Give to the Food Pantry

Donation Schedule

DayHours
Monday8:30am – 11:00am
Tuesday8:30am – 11:00am
Wednesday8:30am – 11:00am
Thursday8:30am – 11:00am
Friday8:30am – 11:00am

Food pantry resource guide

Current students may be eligible for Student Emergency Funds to assist with unexpected financial hurdles.