Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Panther Pantry is a free resource to all PCC students (current student ID is needed). Our pantries are stocked with fresh food, canned food, hygiene supplies, and more. Panther Pantries are intended as a stop-gap to help students in periods of high need while they coordinate access to other food assistance resources. This is a supplemental service, we use equity limits to ensure there is enough food to go around. Please see question 18 for a list of additional support resources.
Who can use the PCC Panther Pantry?
Registered students with a PCC ID, current college employees, and faculty with a PCC ID.
How often can I access the Panther Pantry to shop and during what hours?
Students are allowed to shop at one campus pantry, once a week. Please see question 18 for a list of additional support resources.
How often can I access the Grab n’ Go?
Students are allowed to access 1 snack and 1 drink (if available) once per day.
Why is a PCC Student or Employee ID required?
It is important that we verify users are a part of the PCC community. The Panther Pantry is funded by Student Activity Fee and funds donated through the PCC Foundation. As a result, this resource is designated to serve currently enrolled PCC students and college employees.
What items are available at the Panther Pantry?
- Rice
- Beans
- Soup
- Pasta
- Vegetables (canned or fresh)
- Fruit (canned or fresh)
- Milk
- Meat
- Canned meat
- Peanut butter
- Applesauce
- Cooking oil
- Cereal
- Boxed meals
- Bread
**All items are subject to availability and are not consistent from week to week.
Why do items differ from week to week? Do you have culturally specific foods?
While we strive to provide consistent staple items, we rely on The Oregon Food Bank for most items provided in the pantries. When culturally specific items are available, we try to secure these items as often as possible.
What are equity limits?
With limited resources, we must ensure that what we do have, goes to users equitably. There are limits on popular and low-stocked items to help spread supplies to as many people as possible. We call these weekly limits, “equity limits”.
Why do we use a shopping basket and weigh the food?
Shopping baskets are used for consistency of weight. We weigh the food for data and fundraising purposes to help sustain and keep the pantry running. Understanding how much food is being taken helps us stay on top of inventory, ensuring that we have enough food available based on usage. Additionally, we report this information out to college and community partners to maintain support for the program
Why are some items past their expiration date?
The Oregon Food Bank often gives out food items that are “past date.” The dates on food labels can be confusing. The truth is, they often have little to do with food safety. Except for infant formula, product dating is not required by Federal regulations. The date tells you how long the food will be at the best quality when unopened. Once a food is past that date, many stores and businesses donate it to food banks. Food Bank staff monitor this food to make sure the quality is good.
Where does the food come from?
We purchase food from the Oregon Food Bank and various local grocery stores. In addition to purchasing food, we receive weekly donations from Fresh Alliance (local grocery stores), college partners, and distribution centers.
Do you deliver food to students’ homes?
No. We do not have the ability to deliver food to students’ homes. Please see the Food Finder map to locate a pantry or food bank near you.
Do you provide hot meals?
Emergency Meal Vouchers are vouchers that are used for students who need a hot meal. These vouchers are available to use at PCC Dining Services and have an expiration date. To receive an Emergency Meal Voucher you may be asked to attend a workshop or talk briefly with a pantry staff member. Our goal is to ensure you have access to all the resources you may need to be successful. To inquire about an Emergency Meal Voucher, please email basicneeds@pcc.edu. Voucher availability may vary.
Do you provide clothing?
No. Panther Pantries are not set up to receive or distribute clothing items. Some campuses have free clothing tables available.
Do you provide medicines?
No. Per State of Oregon regulations, we are not allowed to provide medicine.
How can I get involved?
Volunteers are welcome at the Panther Pantries. To become a volunteer you must fill out this form. After your submission, you will receive a responding email that directs you to read the volunteer manual and watch videos. After you have done that you will contact basicneeds@pcc.edu and a Program Specialist will follow up with you.
Can I donate food to the PCC Panther Pantry?
There are many ways to donate to the pantries!
At the pantry
- Dry and Shelf Stable Food
- Cans must contain labels. They cannot be rusty, bulging, leaking, or have sharp creases or dents on the rims
- Glass containers must not be cracked or chipped and the lid must be sealed.
- Packages cannot be torn or opened unless there is a sealed inner package.
- Non-Food
- Must be clean, dry, and unused (must have safety seal)
**Pesticides or other hazardous chemicals cannot be accepted.
Donate online
If you prefer to donate monetary donations, donate online through the PCC Foundation. Please designate that the donation go to the Panther Pantry.
OR
PCC Panther Pantries have an Amazon Wish for items that are most needed. Any items you purchase to donate from Amazon can be sent directly to the Panther Pantries. Donate through Amazon »
How do I provide feedback?
Fill out this form to provide feedback.
Where can I find additional support?
For additional food resources and support please see Panther Pantries additional resource tab.