In the decade since University of the Pacific introduced a modest food pantry on the Stockton Campus, what began as a few snack-filled shelves has blossomed into a robust set of resources for students experiencing food insecurity.

The Pacific Food Pantry serves hundreds of students each year. In fall 2025 alone, more than 200 students visited the Stockton pantry, while the virtual pantry serving the Sacramento and San Francisco Campuses received constant requests.

“Today’s high cost of living is a challenge for our students, but we’re here to help,” said Pantry Operations Manager Emily Marino. “No one should have to worry about where their next meal will come from. The pantry makes healthy food accessible and teaches students useful skills, like how to stretch their dollar and how to be resourceful and creative with meal planning.”

Pacific encourages alumni and friends to support the food pantry Dec. 2 on Giving Tuesday. Observed annually the week after Thanksgiving, Giving Tuesday unites people and organizations worldwide in serving their communities by volunteering or making donations.

The Pacific Food Pantry is 100% donor funded. Located adjacent to the Robb Family Garden, the physical pantry stocks a variety of shelf-stable foods, healthy snacks, beverages and personal care items. Fresh produce from the garden is distributed every Tuesday.

Briseida Rosas ’25 has relied on the pantry when faced with unexpected expenses. “I’ve had issues with my car, or expenses that I didn’t foresee, but I still would like to know that I’ll have food tomorrow,” she explained. “The pantry takes a burden off me, so I don’t have to worry about what I’m going to eat next.”

The Food & Drug Administration defines food insecurity as limited or uncertain access to adequate food. College students nationwide report significant levels of food insecurity and Pacific is no exception, as evidenced by a nearly 60% increase in students using the pantry over the past year.

Students typically can visit the Stockton pantry once a week. On other campuses, a virtual pantry provides monthly grocery store gift cards to help supplement food costs.

The Stockton Emergency Food Bank helps supply Pacific’s pantry, and university staff provide educational opportunities.

“The pantry offers more than food—it teaches skills. How can you save money? How can you do a variety of things with just one item?” Rosas said. “They also share recipes with us; I tried the black bean brownies. We don’t always know what to make with certain items, but every few weeks there’s something new to try.”

Along with the main pantry location, 16 pop-up pantries are available throughout the Stockton Campus. One services the Military and Student Veteran Center and Manor Hall, a newly opened residence hall for student veterans.

“There are a lot of food-insecure veterans who can use the help. We can make sure we take care of them,” said Lance Gilson ’29, a pantry student employee and Marine Corps veteran.

Gilson’s responsibilities include stocking the pantry and tabling at athletics games and other events to encourage food donations.

“It gives me a sense of pride going to Pacific, knowing there’s a community that supports students without even knowing them,” he said. “It’s incredible that we get so much food and donations just from good people taking care of students. Thank you, donors, for all your help.”

For Thanksgiving the pantry provided 40 holiday meal boxes, complete with turkey, stuffing and other traditional ingredients, to students on the Stockton and Sacramento campuses. Students staying on the Stockton Campus during winter break also will receive boxes.

On Giving Tuesday, alumni and friends can support the Pacific Food Pantry or any area at Pacific that resonates. Donations of food and hygiene products are welcomed on an ongoing basis.

“At Pacific, we recognize that helping students succeed takes more than financial aid,” said Scott Biedermann ’05, ’20, vice president for development and alumni relations.

“Students can’t thrive if they’re hungry. Giving Tuesday invites all of us to recognize this challenge and respond with our support. Together, we can help ease the burden.”

Support Pacific students on Giving Tuesday.