Wildcat Pantry
Who We Are
The Wildcat Pantry works to empower CWU students by removing barriers to essential resources that support holistic well-being. We do this by creating centralized access to free groceries, essential items, resource navigation, and educational programming that addresses systemic issues.
Our Vision
Every Wildcat has access to consistent and accessible resources supporting their holistic well-being, fostering confidence in fulfilling their basic needs and ensuring personal, academic, and professional success.
Our Story
The PUSH club and advisory committee worked to create a centralized pantry since its inception in 2015. The team originally started by creating and maintaining 8 bookshelf locations across campus stocked with donations from CWU dining and the Ellensburg community. The pantries were successful in supporting students as well as faculty and staff looking for a quick snack or refill on hygiene products.
The daily use of this service was a clear indication that a larger pantry space would increase our impact and provide more substantial assistance to support wildcats in their university experience. In 2021, our partners in Brooks Library offered a vacant space in 101C and we gleefully accepted. Student officers and volunteers fully managed this effort during its opening year, allowing this service to be peer-to-peer. However, the lack of formality also created barriers around capacity and funding.
Summer of 2022, the President's office developed a full-time position to elevate and sustain this project. This new role will open opportunities to expand partnerships, serve more wildcats, and provide support to student leaders. In other words, ensuring that the mission and vision of the Wildcat Pantry are practiced and prioritized across all areas at the university.
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