Combating Campus Hunger: UMass Amherst Partners with Amherst Survival Center to Establish On-Campus Food Pantry

In a significant move to address food insecurity among its student population, the University of Massachusetts Amherst has forged a long-term partnership with the Amherst Survival Center. Together, they will establish and operate a food pantry on the UMass Amherst campus, providing a vital resource for students and employees experiencing food scarcity.

Transforming Lives, Empowering Students

Addressing a Critical Need

The new food pantry, scheduled to open in the fall of 2025, will be located at 472 North Pleasant Street in Amherst, in the former Newman Catholic Center building. This strategic location offers ample storage and refrigeration capabilities, easy access by car and bus, and a welcoming environment for pantry shoppers. The pantry will provide a diverse selection of non-perishable and fresh foods, sourced from the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, direct donations, and purchased items.This initiative comes at a critical time, as National Hunger Action Month draws to a close. The partnership between UMass Amherst and the Amherst Survival Center recognizes the harsh reality of hunger on college campuses nationwide. Alarmingly, one in three college students face food insecurity, a statistic that the university is determined to address.

A Collaborative Effort

UMass Amherst Chancellor Javier Reyes expressed the university's deep commitment to fostering a supportive living-learning environment, where economically disadvantaged students can thrive and achieve their educational goals. This sentiment is echoed by Lev BenEzra, the executive director of the Amherst Survival Center, who emphasized the importance of ensuring that college students can focus on their studies without worrying about their next meal.The partnership has garnered widespread support, with Congressman Jim McGovern and State Senator Jo Comerford praising the initiative. McGovern, a champion of anti-hunger efforts, recognized the hidden nature of student hunger and the critical role this pantry will play in addressing this pressing issue. Comerford, too, acknowledged the prevalence of food insecurity among Massachusetts college students and the significance of this collaborative effort to combat it.

Expanding the Safety Net

The new food pantry will serve as a hub for the Dean of Students Office's basic needs initiative, centralizing access to the pantry and other campus services, such as the Student Care Supply Closet and the student-run Food Recovery Network. This integration will ensure a comprehensive approach to addressing food insecurity, providing students with a range of resources to meet their essential needs.The food pantry is the latest in a series of efforts by UMass Amherst to tackle the issue of food insecurity on campus. The university has previously launched a student-run food closet and implemented various programs through UMass Dining, including a discount program, a Supplemental Meal Swipe Program, and a Meal Plan Assistance Program. These initiatives demonstrate the university's commitment to ensuring that no student goes hungry.

A Collaborative Approach to Lasting Change

The university's anti-hunger efforts are guided by the Food Security Working Group, a multidisciplinary team convened by the Dean of Students Office. This group brings together campus officials, student representatives, and off-campus partners to regularly discuss food insecurity, identify root causes, and develop potential solutions.By forging this long-term partnership with the Amherst Survival Center, UMass Amherst is taking a significant step towards addressing the pressing issue of food insecurity among its student population. This collaborative effort not only provides immediate relief but also lays the foundation for a more equitable and supportive campus community, where every student has the resources they need to thrive and succeed.