Wildcat Pantry

Mission, Vision, and Story

The Wildcat Pantry in Brooks Library 101C is a free resource for CWU students, faculty, and staff to access food and essentials. In addition, Career Services offers free clothing for students.

Outside of the pantry, our work helps students finish their degrees, reach self-actualization, and get the most out of their CWU experience. Questions? Email us!

Mission

The Wildcat Pantry works to empower CWU students by removing barriers to essential resources that support holistic well-being. We do this by providing access to free groceries, professional clothing, and educational programming that addresses systemic issues.

Vision

Every Wildcat always has access to nutritious foods and can meet their basic needs, making CWU a place of prosperity and belonging.

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.

Career Services Clothing Closet

Career Services distributes clothing to students for job interviews or professional needs. The Professional Clothing Closet is located in their Bouillon office.

Students can make an appointment to get clothing from the Professional Clothing Closet by going to the booking page. Questions can be directed to Careers.

Campus Resources

• CWU Office of Case Management: Strives to identify and connect with students experiencing obstacles to success, and enhances holistic student wellness through assessment, support, and connections to various formal and informal resources.
• CWU Financial Aid: Helps students find additional financial aid opportunities.
• CWU Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities: Provides a comprehensive array of resources, education, and crisis management services.
• CWU Counseling Clinic: Provide mental health services offered by licensed counselors, psychologists, and doctoral interns.
• CWU Family Resource Center: Offers services to CWU families and the broader community, including clothing, diapers, and toiletries.

Students at satellite campus also have additional resources available:

• CWU Des Moines: Des Moines Area Food Bank, 206-878-2660
• CWU Everett: Dial 2-1-1 for information on resources in your area
• CWU Lynnwood: Lynnwood Food Bank, 425-745-1635
• CWU Moses Lake: Dial 2-1-1 for information on resources in your area
• CWU Pierce County: FISH Food Bank Mobile Sites, 253-383-3164
• CWU Wenatchee: Dial 2-1-1 for information on resources in your area
• CWU Yakima: Dial 2-1-1 for information on resources in your area