Big Blue Pantry Food Security
Welcome to the Basic Needs Food Security Resources!
It can be challenging to do your best in class if you have trouble meeting your basic needs such as being hungry or worried about when your next meal will be.
If this is you, you can come to the Big Blue Pantry and take a bag of food items while being mindful that there are others needing this shared community resource. We ask that Pantry visits be limited to three visits per month. If you must utilize this resource regularly, we will connect you with other university resources that can address your individual circumstances. You may also apply for the Swipe Ahead program, available once per semester for students who are experiencing hardship and need temporary food assistance.
Location
Hours of Operation
Spring 2025 Pantry Hours
Monday: 12 - 5 p.m.
Tuesday: 1 - 5 p.m.
Wednesday: 12 - 5 p.m.
Thursday: 1 - 5 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
The Pantry is closed on all University Holidays and any other days the university is closed.
Appointments are available by request.
What can I expect when I visit the pantry?
You will be greeted by a student worker or other staff member who will provide you with a bag to fill up with any food or personal care items that you need. You will then weigh your bag on a scale (there is no weight limit) and you will fill out a brief intake survey. You will need your student ID for the survey. If you have a reusable bag, please bring it and use it! This helps us purchase more food items to assist those in need.
What can I find at the pantry?
We have canned foods, dry goods (rice, pasta, noodles, cereal), "heat and eat" meals, common kitchen staples like milk, bread, butter, cheese, etc. and personal care items such as shampoo, soap/body wash, toothbrushes, toothpaste, menstrual hygiene items, and shaving products. We also try to keep small quantities of meat and fresh produce, but those items tend to go quickly!
The Pantry is typically restocked twice per week.
Emergency After-Hours Food Assistance
If you are a current UK student in urgent need of immediate food assistance outside of the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, we now have food lockers located in the William T. Young Library which are stocked with a small amount of food that can be reserved and picked up in the event of an emergency. Click here to reserve one of our emergency food lockers.
Note: if you reserve an emergency food locker, you will be contacted by UK Basic Needs staff on the next business day to assess your situation and help direct you to the resources you need. Please only utilize these lockers in the event of an emergency.
Big Blue Pantry FAQ's
For more information about Big Blue Pantry view our frequently asked questions.
Connect with Big Blue Pantry
Donate to Big Blue Pantry
Both shelf-stable food donations, as well as monetary donations, are accepted as donations to help support the Big Blue Pantry.