Food Pantry

Students, faculty, staff, and any members of our community. No one will be turned away who is in need of food.

Different types of visits can be made to the food pantry:

• Full Visits: Full visits include non-perishable goods, frozen meat, eggs, bread and pastries, and fresh produce. Each visitor is allowed 15 full visits a year (July to July) from any Thurston County Food Bank Satellite.
• Partial Visits: Partial visits include produce, protein, dairy, bread, and pastries. Partial visits are limited to 10 visits (in addition to the 15 full visits).
• Supplemental Visits: Supplemental visits include only bread, pastries, and produce. Visitors are free to take as many of these items as they can use. Supplemental visits are limited to once per week.

Yes, the food pantry offers hygiene products, children’s books, toiletries, and warm clothing items.

The hygiene products we offer include shampoo, conditioner, body wash, bar soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash, dental floss, brushes/combs, deodorant, toilet paper, diapers (sizes and availability may vary), umbrellas, and can openers.

We also offer grab-and-go, pre-packed meal kits available upon request. 

At check-in, we do require a name to be submitted on the form for data purposes only. If a person prefers more anonymity, an alternate name can be used. However, that name must be used consistently at each visit. We need a name so we can make sure that we are equally giving everyone an opportunity to use the food pantry.

If you are an SPSCC student, we will ask to see your Student ID as it helps us know how many students we are serving.

The food pantry is a partnership between SPSCC Student Leadership, the SPSCC Foundation, and Thurston County Food Bank. Hygiene kits will be provided in partnership with the YWCA Other Bank, and free children's books are provided in partnership with the South Sound Reading Foundation.

SPSCC is currently a distribution site, and donations can be made at the Thurston County Food Bank or on campus in the Thurston County Food Bank blue bins available in Bldgs. 34 and 35. There are other drop-off locations in the Thurston County area.

Donations can be made online via the SPSCC Foundation. The Foundation can direct actual donations to the program account.

Do you need food immediately?

• There are a variety of Emergency Grants, including grocery cards, available year-round to help meet SPSCC students’ immediate needs.

Are you pregnant, breastfeeding, or have children under the age of 5?

• The Women, Infants, and Children Nutrition Program (WIC) provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support, monthly checks for healthy food, and health screening referrals.
• Nursing mothers can find private Lactation Rooms at the Olympia Campus in Bldg. 22, 2nd Floor, just to the right of the One Stop and in Bldg. 31.

Do you need help getting food stamps?

• The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) Basic Food / Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps low-income people make ends meet by providing monthly benefits to buy food.