Support the Pantry



The Mother Pauline Pantry is 100% donation funded.
We welcome and deeply appreciate the support of the Saint Mary's Community.

Meeting a Need

At Saint Mary's, approximately one in four students identifies as low-income. The Mother Pauline Pantry helps meet the needs of these students while also supporting those whose circumstances may not qualify them for other forms of assistance. Financial need isn't always visible or permanent, and the pantry serves as a supplemental resource for students navigating unexpected expenses, limited budgets, or gaps in support.

During the 2025–2026 academic year, the Mother Pauline Pantry welcomed 1,160 visits from 249 unique students, representing 21% of Saint Mary's student population. Pantry usage increased by 207%, the number of students served grew by 124%, and we distributed an estimated 12,900 items.

These numbers reflect more than growth; they represent students whose basic needs were met so they could focus on learning, belonging, and thriving at Saint Mary's. Pantry use continues to increase and can only thrive through partnerships and community support.

Ways to Donate

In-Person Drop Offs

All donated items must be new, unopened, and within their expiration or "best by" date. Donations can be brought to the SEE Hub suite, 225 Student Center. It is located on the 2nd floor of the Student Center, just off the elevator. Items can be dropped off between 9 am and 4 pm.

Amazon Wish List

Items are shipped directly to our office on campus, and gift cards are emailed straight to the Pantry team to purchase high-need items. The list can be sorted by "priority" to make it easy to find the greatest needs. We gladly accept multiples of items, so don't be discouraged if an item is listed as "purchased"

Monetary Gifts

Instructions on How to Donate:
Donating by Card
  • Select the secure website link
  • Enter Gift Amount
  • Designate funds to “Saint Mary’s Fund priorities/other”
  • Scroll down to select “Restrict my donation - Other - Continue”
  • Designate “Mother Pauline Pantry” in the “Other” textbox
  • Complete the remainder of the donor form
Donating by Check

Follow the instructions on the How to Give page, and designate “Mother Pauline Pantry” in the memo field

2025 - 2026 Fun Facts

Impact

"While on campus over the summer, the pantry offered an incredibly valuable resource to myself and other summer residents through not only snacks and supplemental, but sometimes full meals when making it to the grocery store was not in the budget or in the schedule!"

Anonymous Student

Class of 2027

"The pantry has allowed for me to add to my nutrition, aiding in my meal plans by adding items that I may not have been able to afford or did not have the time to purchase."

Anonymous Student

Class of 2026

"It has provided a way for me to get santiary products when i needed it the most. It also had been a way to get snacks and main ingredients so i could prepare meals for myself."

Anonymous Student

Class of 2027

"As someone who doesn't have a car on campus and spends most breaks here, the pantry has been nice to supplement my meals."

Anonymous Student

Class of 2028

Recommendations & Accepted Donations

Shelf-Stable Food Items

  • Canned goods (vegetables, beans, soups, tuna, chicken, etc.)
  • Pasta, rice, quinoa, and other grains
  • Boxed meals and dry mixes
  • Nut butters and spreads
  • Cereal and oatmeal
  • Snacks (granola bars, crackers, popcorn, etc.)

Hygiene and Personal Care Items

  • Toothpaste and toothbrushes
  • Full-sized shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
  • deodorant
  • Feminine hygiene products

School Supplies

  • Index cards
  • Foldersens, pencils, highlighters
  • Pens, pencils, highlighters

Beverages

  • Shelf-stable milk