New Wildcat Pantry location at CWU addresses critical student needs

Central Washington University took another meaningful step in the fight against food insecurity during the 2024-25 academic year with the opening of a brand-new Wildcat Pantry location.

The 1,001-square-foot space in Brooks Library room 153 joins seven other Grab and Go Pantry sites already serving students across the Ellensburg campus. But more than square footage, the expanded pantry headquarters represents something deeper: a continued commitment to meeting the real needs of CWU students and removing barriers to success.

“Donor support to the CWU Foundation played a big role in being able to expand this resource and open a new, welcoming space that directly supports students facing food insecurity,” Vice President of University Advancement Paul Elstone said during a May 15 grand opening celebration at the Wildcat Pantry. “The generosity of donors reflects a deep commitment to student success. This new location will not only increase access to essential resources but also foster a sense of belonging for every student who walks through its doors.”

As reported earlier this year, CWU has become a leader around the state and the nation in addressing basic needs insecurity.

According to data from the 2025 Washington Postsecondary Basic Needs Convening, 51.3% of students at four-year colleges across Washington experience basic needs insecurity. In the south-central region, which includes CWU, those numbers are even higher, with 57.9% of students impacted, the most in the state.

“Thanks to our thoughtful campus partners and our generous alumni and donors, we have a beautifully updated space that brings a sense of community and care,” said Dr. Dania Cochran, CWU’s Interim Chief of Staff and Secretary to the Board of Trustees. “Having a space to grocery shop and get basic needs taken care of hopefully leaves students feeling supported and able to focus on accomplishing their goals while at CWU.”

Ben (’79) and Nancy Remak were instrumental in the opening of the new Wildcat Pantry space, and they say that this location is unlike any food bank they have seen before.

“They did a great job on that space and really thought it out nicely,” Nancy Remak said. “It is more than a food pantry. You walk in there and it is so welcoming. I have seen so many food banks and they all look similar. But the layout and the décor of the Wildcat Pantry was inspiring to see. If you go in there, you’re going to feel very comfortable.”

While the Remaks support a variety of CWU programs and initiatives, they believe the pantry is essential because they understand how hard it is for students to learn when they are hungry.

“This needed to be done, and we are glad we were able to help and are glad Central is doing something about food insecurity,” Ben Remak said.

Because food insecurity shows up in a variety of ways, the main Wildcat Pantry location in Brooks Library is stocked every day and remains accessible to all CWU students from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Grab and Go sites across campus are stocked bi-weekly to help meet students where they are.

This academic year, over 1,100 students have registered to use the pantry, and the numbers keep growing. Since fall quarter, students have logged more than 9,300 visits.

“Food insecurity continues to impact students here at CWU and it is my goal to alleviate some of that stress,” Wildcat Pantry Coordinator Kaila Red Bow said. “Since I stepped into this position in the winter, I have improved our ordering capacity to ensure we can offer food and basic needs resources at a consistent rate, and increase the variety of offerings. Whether international or allergen friendly, I hope that all students find something in the pantry that supports them in their academic endeavors.”

With over 7,000 pounds of donated goods, valued at nearly $15,000, coming in since last fall, it’s clear the support behind the Wildcat Pantry goes well beyond the walls of the university. Alumni, community members, and donors are making a difference every day for students they may never meet.

“The Wildcat Pantry was a great resource in my first year of college for not only myself but also my friends,” one student shared. “Not only was it nice to have fresh fruits and vegetables, but also the resources in the pantry prevented me from running out of dining dollars too early in the quarter.”

Another student expressed the same level of appreciation: “The pantry is a great resource that gives students localized access to food and hygiene essentials along with providing centralized access to resources across campus and in the Ellensburg community.”

Whether it’s a snack between classes or a week's worth of groceries, CWU is ensuring that no Wildcat has to choose between food and their future.

“The Wildcat Pantry is not going anywhere, and we will continue pivoting with the times to address food insecurity here at CWU,” Red Bow said.

To learn more about the Wildcat Pantry, get involved, or find support, visit the Wildcat Pantry website.