Access to Nutritious Food & Other Essentials 

UNC strives to ensure that all community members—students and employees—have access to the food and basic non-food items they need. 

Bear Pantry at UNC

Students and employees who are having trouble accessing the food they needare able to visit the Bear Pantry (locatedon the second floor of the University Center in Greeley) once per week and can choose up to seven food or non-food items at no cost.

There is no reservation required, simply stop by the pantry during open hours. The only requirement to receive items is that you have a current Bear ID Number. 

Available items change from week to week, but often include milk and milk alternatives, pasta, soups, canned tuna, rice, peanut butter, cheese, tofu, eggs, snacks, frozen meat and meat alternatives, laundry detergent, toothpaste, and paper towels. Free menstrual products and sexual health products are also available.

Mobile Food Pantry

The colorful truck from the Weld Food Bank Mobile Food Pantry comes to campus multiple times each year, offering UNC students and community members access to fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy, meat, and baked goods (exact items are different at each event). Bring your bags, if you have them, because you will get a lot of food! 

During the event times the Bear Pantry is closed and returns to normal evening hours after the conclusion of the event. 

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

SNAP is part of a federal nutrition program to help low-income households purchase food. It provides a monthly benefit that helps families and individuals buy the food they need for good health.

Many college students qualify for SNAP but never apply.

Who can help? Case managers in the Office of Student Outreach and Support are available to guide students with assessing their SNAP eligibility and to support students with SNAP applications. If you are a student and you’d like support exploring your SNAP eligibility or applying to SNAP, just e-mail sos@unco.edu.

Bear Share Meals

Students experiencing food insecurity can request up to three meals that will be added to their university ID card to be utilized at Homes Dining Hall.

To qualify for this program, students must either 1) not have a UNC meal plan or 2) have exhausted (or nearly exhausted) their meal plan and Dining Dollar balances. Click here to learn more and apply.

Other Community Resources 

Weld Food Bank  Guests can shop for the food they need. 

Mobile Food Pantry  See where and when to access this Mobile Pantry in and around Greeley and Weld County. 

Weld County WIC:  Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children 

211   This confidential and multilingual service connects people to vital resources across the state, including food, housing and other basic needs.