How it Works

Accessing the Pantry

The Pantry is a free supplemental resource to all Saint Mary's Students.

Students do not need to meet certain qualifications to use the resources. If you are a current student of the college, this resource is available to you. All we ask is that you fill out the "Request to Access" form to gain access to its resources. By filling out the request form, we will have a better idea of how to best support you and you will have an opportunity to meet with a staff member to ask questions.

Hours of Operation

Current Shopping Hours
Monday - Friday, 10 am - 3 pm
Wednesdays, 5 - 8 pm
*By appointment only

Order Online Anytime

Location

Located in Holy Cross Hall Basement. The pantry shares a space with the Free Store and Dress for Success.

What to Expect

  • In Person Shopping

    • In Person Shopping experiences are scheduled as events.
    • RSVP to either a private or group shopping experience at the pantry
    • When you arrive to your scheduled shopping experience, a Pantry team member will greet you and offer you a plastic or paper bag. Note that you may bring your own bag.
    • You can set any backpacks, coats, or other belongings on the desk and begin shopping.
    • Grab as many items as needed within the set limits listed per item. Limits are listed on the shelves of the Pantry and may change based on demand to ensure this resource remains available to all who may need it.
    • Items available are based on donations and may include: Shelf-stable items, canned goods, frozen goods, eggs, school supplies, diapers & wipes for parenting students, and hygiene items.
    • When you are ready to leave, stop by the desk for a Pantry team member to check you out.
      • They will ask to see your ID, ask for your username and update our inventory. This process assists us in sharing the story of the Pantry and keeping our inventory count accurate.

  • Online Orders

    • Submit an online order through the Store located on the Pantry's group page on Belle Tower
    • You may select as many items as needed. There are some built in limits to ensure this resource remains available to as many students as possible who may need it.
    • Items available are based on donations and may include: Shelf-stable items, canned good, school supplies, diapers & wipes for parenting students, and hygiene items. At this time, we are unable to fulfill perishable items via online ordering due to method of pickup.
      • Please note: At this time, we are unable to fulfill perishable items via online ordering due to method of pickup.
    • Online orders are fulfilled by a member of the pantry team Monday, 8 am - Friday, 5 pm. Please allow 48 hours for orders to be reviewed.
    • You will receive an email when your items are ready for pickup.
      • Items may be picked up at the Student Package Center, located at Holy Cross Hall
      • Once you receive your pick up notification, items will be held for up to one week

Frequently Asked Questions

How many of each item can I get?

The pantry has set item limits to help ensure that as many students as possible can access the resources they need. Limits may vary depending on inventory and demand. We encourage you to take what you need for the week while keeping in mind that the pantry is a shared community resource.

How many times can I visit the pantry?

Students are welcome to use the pantry as needed. We typically operate with a soft limit of once per week and encourage students to grab what they need for the upcoming week. If your circumstances change or you need additional support, please don't hesitate to reach out — we're happy to work with you.

I have dietary restrictions. Is there anything at the pantry for me?

Yes! We strive to offer options for students with a variety of dietary needs. The pantry has a dedicated gluten-free section for shelf-stable items and, as donations allow, we also try to keep dairy alternatives, vegetarian, and vegan options in stock.

Because the pantry is entirely donation-funded, the selection of these items may be limited and can vary throughout the year. If you have dietary restrictions, we encourage you to let us know when completing the pantry request form so we can do our best to accommodate your needs.

How does the pantry stay stocked?

The Mother Pauline Pantry is 100% donation-funded! Every item in the pantry is either generously donated by members of our community or purchased by the Pantry Supervisor using monetary donations made to the pantry.

Because we rely entirely on donations, inventory will vary throughout the year, and we may not always be able to fulfill every request in full. We are incredibly grateful for the support of our campus and community partners who make this resource possible.

What resources are available for parenting students?

In partnership with the Office for Harassment Education & Response (OHER), the pantry offers a small selection of items for parenting students, including diapers, wipes, and other miscellaneous supplies when available. Inventory may vary depending on donations, so availability is not guaranteed, but we are committed to supporting our parenting students whenever possible.

Why can't I order frozen or refrigerated items online?

Frozen and refrigerated items are only available during pantry shopping hours. Online orders are picked up at the package center, which does not have refrigerator or freezer storage available. To ensure food safety and maintain the quality of these items, they cannot be included in online orders.

If you're interested in frozen or refrigerated items, we encourage you to schedule a shopping appointment or visit during designated pantry shopping hours.