WKU News

In a small house on the edge of campus lies a place for students, faculty, and staff to obtain food when they need a few items. 

Through food drives and donations year-round, members of the campus and local community help make food available for hundreds of visitors during the year at the WKU Food Pantry. According to Cara Walters, Office of Sustainability Student Ambassador, 160 people have visited the WKU Food Pantry already this year.

“We have canned foods, snack foods, pastas, and different mixes, ramen, and soups. We ask for a lot of food that you can heat up and make easily in your dorm,” Walters said. “We also keep bread and eggs in our fridge.”

Each person can select up to one bag full of items. When available, the Food Pantry offers toiletries and fresh food through their garden. 

The WKU Food Pantry is located in the Office of Sustainability at 503 Regents Ave. across from Gary Ransdell Hall. Visitors sign in at the Office of Sustainability, and then visit WKU Food Pantry area. The sign-in is available on the iPad in English and Spanish. The sign in also gives visitors the opportunity to share suggestions.

“We don’t do anything with (the visitor information) other than track how many people are coming in throughout the year,” said Walters. It allows them to see how many visitors use the food pantry each month. “It helps prove our worth on campus a bit more.”

“We all have to be at some level of the playing field so we can all contribute back,” said Walters, reflecting on a quote from her mentor. Walters described the food pantry as a source of food for anyone, without proof of need. A student may visit the pantry if they are low on food or ran out of meal plans. Whatever the situation, students, faculty, and staff can visit the Food Pantry when they need to.

Anyone interested in donating to the food pantry, can bring items during operating hours or leave the donation on the porch afterhours. The Food Pantry has a list of food needs on their website at wku.edu/sustainability/food_pantry.php and on their Facebook page. Meals in a can and snacks are some of the preferred items. In addition, they accept donations of toiletry items large and travel size, 

Guests can visit the WKU Food Pantry Monday – Friday, and the hours vary. Current operating hours are Monday 9 am - 4 pm, Tuesday 8 am - 12:30 pm, Wednesday 9 am - 4:30 pm, Thursday 8 am - 12:30 pm, and Friday 8 am – noon. 

Students can contact the food pantry at 270-745-2508 if they are interested in volunteering at the Food Pantry.