Portland Campus Food Pantry
The Portland Campus Food Pantry provides temporary supplemental food assistance and resources to UNE students at no cost.
Created by UNE students with the support of the Graduate and Professional Student Association, the Office of Student Life and the Office of Graduate and Professional Student Affairs, the pantry provides essential groceries and personal items to any student on the Portland Campus for the Health Sciences experiencing food insecurity. Any student can receive nutrition support and resources to encourage a well-balanced life.
Mission and Vision
Embracing the UNE mission and vision statements and core values, the UNE Portland Campus Food Pantry program supports student success by providing temporary supplemental food assistance and resources to UNE students at no cost.
Our vision is to alleviate barriers associated with food insecurity, and to ensure that no student goes hungry because of a lack of access to food or funding.
Using the Portland Campus Food Pantry
Take What You Need, Leave What You Can
If you are a UNE student on the Portland Campus, who is registered for the current semester and has a Nor’easter ID card, you can visit the pantry as needed. The pantry stocks a variety of food staples, household items (paper towels, bath tissue, etc.), and personal care items (deodorant, shampoo, body wash, toothpaste, shaving items). The items on our shelves may change depending on availability. The pantry will also provide community and campus resources to assist in meeting other unmet basic needs.
Donating to the food pantry
Financial Contributions
90% of all pantry items are purchased. Because of this, finances are critical. One of the best impacts you can have is to make a financial contribution.
Food Donations
Donation of food items and personal and household products are gratefully accepted and can be dropped off at:
- Graduate and Professional Student Affairs, Proctor Hall, 02
- Alexander Hall lobby
- At the Pantry, Finley Recreation Center
Below are items that are always needed.
- Canned meats: chicken, ham, spam, corned beef
- Canned chili
- Fish (canned or packets): tuna, salmon, sardines
- Nut/ seed butter: peanut, almond, sunflower
- Shelf-stable cheeses: parmesan, cheese spreads
- Shelf-stable meats: pepperoni, summer sausage
- Jerky: mushroom, beef, turkey
- Assorted nut mixes
- Protein bars
- Apple sauce
- Dried fruit: mango, cranberries, raisins
- Canned fruit: mandarins, peaches, pineapples
- Individual fruit cups
- Fruit strips or gummies
- Canned vegetables: green beans, peas, corn, carrots, tomatoes, veg-all
- Pizza Sauce (cans or jars)
- Pasta: spaghetti, linguine, penne, macaroni
- Rice: instant packages, bags
- Beans (canned or dry): pinto, black, cannellini
- Shelf stable pizza crust
- Tortillas
- Cereal and granola (individual packages or boxes)
- Cereal bars and granola bars
- Trail Mix
- Crackers
- Rice cakes
- Pretzels
- Soaps
- Shampoos/Conditioners
- Razors/Shaving cream
- Feminine products
- Toilet paper
- Paper towels
- Sponges/dish soap
- Cleaning products
Volunteer Information
If you’re interested in volunteering in the food pantry, please contact pcstudentlife@une.edu
Additional Resources
Campus Resources
Office of Safety and Security
Emergency Situations: UNE Extension 366 or (207) 283-0176
Non-emergency situations: (207) 602-2298
Student Health Center
Portland (207) 221-4242
Student Counseling Center
Portland (207) 221-4550
pcstudentcounseling@une.edu
Office of Title IX and Civil Rights Compliance
Portland (207) 221-4554
titleix@une.edu
Graduate and Professional Student Affairs
Portland (207) 221-4212
pcstudentaffairs@une.edu
Office of Student Life
Portland (207) 221-4212
pcstudentlife@une.edu
Graduate and Professional Student Association
Portland (207) 221-4212
gapsa@une.edu
Community Resources
Food Pantries in Portland
View a list of food pantries in the Portland area.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program
Do you have young children or are you pregnant? Visit WIC Portland to determine if you’re eligible to receive WIC benefits.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP-Ed)
SNAP-Ed provides nutrition education services in settings like schools, food pantries, Head Start CENTERS and other childcare settings, work sites, housing developments, grocery stores, and regional DHHS offices. Call 1 (800) 442-6003 or apply online.
You can also use SNAP at Farmers’ Markets and receive Maine Harvest Bucks to save on fruits and vegetables.
211 Maine
211 Maine is a free, confidential information and referral service that connects people of all ages across Maine to local services.
FAQ about the Portland Campus Food Pantry
What is food insecurity?
Food insecurity is a lack of access to sufficient food to meet one’s basic needs. It is important to know that though hunger and food insecurity are closely related, they are two different things. Hunger refers to a physical sensation of discomfort caused by a lack of food and the desire to eat. Food insecurity and hunger are typically tied to a lack of available financial resources for food to maintain one’s health and wellness.
Are there income requirements to receive food?
If you are a UNE student who self-identifies as having food insecurity, you may get food from the pantry. There is no income cutoff or proof of income required.
What are the pantry’s privacy policies?
Other UNE students may see who use the pantry when picking up food. Everyone who uses the pantry’s services is expected to be respectful of the needs of their peers and keep all encounters confidential.
Your UNE ID is used for access to the pantry using the card access system. ID use allows the pantry to improve the quality of services provided by tracking usage, peak times, etc. Should there be a recall on any food item distributed from the pantry, personal identification information may be pulled to notify users.
What do I need to bring when using the pantry?
You will need to bring you UNE ID and a reusable shopping bag.
Are there limits on how much food can be taken?
Our philosophy is “take what you need, leave what you can.”
The pantry asks that the you takes only the food you need for your household, and not to take more than needed. You are asked not to take food items you don’t like. If you who know of others who might need help obtaining food, but are not UNE students, you can find information on local resources above.
How often can someone visit the pantry?
Currently there is no limit. We ask that you to only take what you may need.
What type of food is available?
Currently, most of the food items are nonperishables. The pantry is looking to expand offerings in the future. If there are items that may be needed due to dietary needs (allergies, gluten-free, vegetarian, etc.), please use the suggestion box in the pantry to provide information. We will do our best to provide varied options.
How can I find out what other assistance might be available?
You may qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits or other programs. Check the resources information above for additional information on community and campus resources.
Does the pantry provide anything other than food?
Currently, the pantry provides some household and personal items. Availability may be limited as the focus in on food needs.