Navigating the challenges of higher education can be demanding, and sometimes students at UW Bothell encounter unexpected financial difficulties that impact their access to basic necessities. Recognizing this, the Husky Pantry has been established as a vital resource to support any UW Bothell student experiencing food insecurity. Whether you’re between paychecks or simply need a little extra help to get through the week or month, the Husky Pantry offers a welcoming and accessible solution. As part of a broader initiative to support student well-being, resources like this are crucial for academic success.
About the Husky Pantry
The Husky Food Pantry is available to all UW Bothell students facing food insecurity. During its operating hours, students can access a variety of grocery staples, seasonal products, and essential hygiene and toiletry items, all of which are non-perishable. While the pantry has designated open hours, students can also request access at other times by contacting hawrc@uw.edu. For those who may need items outside of regular hours, an after-hours box is conveniently located outside the Health and Wellness Resource Center (HaWRC) door.
Hours and Location
The Husky Pantry is situated within the Health and Wellness Resource Center (HaWRC), located in ARC 120. During the fall quarter, the pantry is open on Mondays and Tuesdays from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. If you require additional assistance or need to schedule a specific pickup time, please email basicneeds@uw.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to use the Husky Pantry?
The UWB Husky Pantry is dedicated to assisting any student currently enrolled at UW Bothell. Your enrollment will be verified upon your visit. Last year alone, the Husky Pantry recorded over 1000 visits, highlighting the significant need and impact of this service.
What if I’m short on food but don’t feel I “need” help?
We encourage you to visit regardless! Feel free to browse, or take what you need to fill a grocery bag – the choice is entirely yours. Our goal is to support you in whatever way is most helpful. Beyond providing food, we can also offer guidance on budget-friendly cooking, strategies for reducing food waste, and information on other community resources dedicated to addressing hunger and food security.
Will accessing the Husky Pantry affect my financial aid?
No, your financial aid or any government assistance programs, including Basic Food/SNAP, will not be impacted by your use of the Husky Pantry.
Are there limits on the food or other items available?
Currently, there are no strict limits on the items you can take. We encourage you to take what you need, and to eat what you take. Suggested portion guidelines may be provided for certain high-demand items to help ensure the pantry can serve as many students as possible and maintain a consistent supply. We recommend visiting the pantry no more than once per week at this time.
What is your privacy policy?
Ensuring the dignity of all individuals is central to our mission. When you visit the Husky Pantry, you will be required to sign in using PantrySoft. The information collected is used solely to fulfill requirements set by the USDA, the University of Washington, and United Way of King County. Your data will not be shared with any external entities, individuals, or organizations. All data is reported in aggregate and deidentified form, for example, noting that “421 UWB students utilized the Husky Pantry during Fall ’23.”
How can I contribute to the Husky Pantry?
Food donations are gratefully accepted during the pantry’s open hours (Monday-Thursday, 10 AM – 4 PM). We can only accept commercially packaged, unopened, and unexpired products. Financial contributions are also highly valued. You can make a direct donation to the pantry through the UWB Advancement page via this link. If you wish to organize a food drive for your department or organization, please reach out to us at hawrc@uw.edu.
Off-Campus Food Resources
While the Husky Pantry is committed to supporting students experiencing hunger and food insecurity, we understand that collaboration is key. For additional food resources that can help supplement your needs, please visit the Resource Library page on the HaWRC website.
Should you find yourself struggling to locate resources that meet your specific needs, please email hawrc@uw.edu. The staff at the Health and Wellness Resource Center are available to assist you and answer any questions you may have.
Hopelink Mobile Market
In a collaborative effort to further support students, the Husky Pantry and UW Bothell have partnered with Hopelink to bring their Mobile Market directly to campus. This mobile food pantry visits campus twice a month, offering pantry staples along with fresh produce and meat/dairy items. They are typically located on Campus Way, outside the ARC, on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month, between 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM. To expedite your service during these visits, it is recommended to complete the Hopelink Enrollment Form beforehand.
The Mobile Market is also accessible to the wider community at various locations throughout the week. You can find the complete Mobile Market schedule for more details.
Contact Information
For any questions or feedback regarding the Husky Food Pantry, please direct your inquiries to the Health and Wellness Resource Center at hawrc@uw.edu.
Follow Us!
Stay updated on the latest information and events by following us on social media:
- Instagram: hawrc_uwbcc
- Facebook: @hawrc
