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Synonyms
meals
financial aid
Food Assistance

Big Blue Pantry

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 for emergencies. We ask that Pantry visits be limited to three visits per month and if you must utilize this resource regularly, we will connect you with the Financial Wellness program to get budgeting and other financial support. Or you might be eligible for the Swipe Ahead program.

 

Hours of Operation

Fall 2024 Pantry Hours

Monday: 2 - 5 p.m.

Tuesday: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Wednesday: 2 - 5 p.m.

Thursday: 1 - 4 p.m.

Friday: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

The Pantry is closed on all University Holidays.

Appointments are available by request.

 

What to expect on your first visit to the pantry:

When you come visit the Big Blue Pantry, you will be invited to take one of our reusable bags (if you don’t have one already) and fill it with whatever you need from our shelves. Once you have finished, you will weigh your bag (there is no limit) and fill out a short digital survey. All information is kept confidential.

Remember, this is NOT a grocery store and should not be your only or ongoing food resource.

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.

Big Blue Pantry FAQ's

For more information about Big Blue Pantry view our frequently asked questions.

View FAQ's

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.

Make a Donation

Center for Support and Intervention 

Center for Support and Intervention 

CSI Self-Referral

There are many resources, both on and off campus. Learning what is available and a good fit for your needs is something we can help with. Case managers have in-depth knowledge of the resources and can walk you through every step in making those connections.  Making a referral for yourself gets you set up with a case manager.

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Get Support

Navigating life stressors through the college years can be difficult and overwhelming at times. The Center for Support and Intervention staff are here to help! Case management is designed to guide you to identify your needs, build problem-solving strategies, and connect to resources around campus and Lexington; all with the care and support of your dedicated CSI case manager.  

Refer a Friend

Students who have multiple stressors in their personal, family, or academic life often don’t know what to tackle first. We are here to listen, understand, and help students prioritize their needs. If you know of a student who may benefit from outreach from our office, submit a referral on their behalf. 

Hours of Operation

Monday - Friday 

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Location
513 Patterson Office Tower

Resource Connection

CSI listens to your experiences, helps you to identify your needs, and connects you to resources on campus that can support your success and well-being. Set up a meeting with us to get help now!

Hours of Operation

Monday - Friday 

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Location
513 Patterson Office Tower

Swipe Ahead

This program is intended for UK students experiencing food insecurity.  Applications are open during the Fall and Spring semesters. 

If accepted, an initial amount of 10 meal swipes will be loaded to your UK Student ID within two business days. You will then be asked to meet with a Financial Wellness staff member to assess for ongoing need and access to additional swipes/vouchers and/or other resources. 

Hours of Operation

Apply any time.

Email notifications of acceptance are sent on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Apply for Meal Swipes

In order for your application to be processed for UK's Swipe Ahead program, you must respond to all questions and provide detail in the narrative answers. 

Please note that the application is open from Aug. 26, 2024 - May 2, 2025.

Complete Application