Bearcats Pantry

The Bearcats Pantry is an initiative founded in 2016 by the Assistant Dean of Students, Daniel S. Cummins. With the help of a strong and dedicated committee team and other UC affiliates, the Bearcats Pantry was created. The Bearcats Pantry also became a member of the College and University Food Bank Alliance (CUFBA) which strives to “alleviate the barriers and challenges associated with food insecurity and hunger so that college and university students can remain in school, and ultimately, earn their degrees.”

To be eligible for services, you must be a UC undergraduate or graduate student.

The Bearcats Pantry offers both a main location along with several to-go satellite locations around campus. 

The Pantry is located in Stratford Heights Building 16 Rm 007.

If you have questions regarding directions or procedures, you may call 513-556-5064 or 556-3780 to speak with a respresentative regarding directions or procedures.

• If possible, please have your Bearcat Card present (not required).
• You will be asked to fill out an intake survey. The intake survey is meant to help the Bearcats Pantry understand the needs of the students it serves, as well as connect you, the student, to more resources available.
• After completing the intake survey, the worker or volunteer will take you back to the pantry. You will be given a bag to place items into. Please take what you need. We are a completely free choice pantry.
• If possbile for future visits, please bring back the reusable bags.
• Our goal is for this process to be as easy, quick, and confidential as possible.

Typical hours for the Bearcats Pantry are 9am-5pm, Monday through Friday. If these hours do not work with your schedule, please contact us to set up an appointment.  Additionally, appointments may be made during the weekend.

Bearcats Food Pantry To-Go bags are located at various sites around campus. Listed below is a complete list of locations:

• UC Blue Ash Student Food Pantry - Academic Advising Office
• College of Nursing - 213 Proctor Hall
• DAAP Student Affairs - 5470 Aronoff
• College of Pharmacy - 169 Kowalewski Hall
• College of Engineering and Applied Sciences - 665 Baldwin Hall, Suite I
• College of Education, Criminal Justice, & Human Services - Student Services Center, 360 Teachers-Dyer Complex
• UC Police Department - 3 Edwards Center
• College of Allied Health Sciences - 131 French Hall East

• After locating a site, you will be directed to a specific office within the designated building. Tell the person in the office that you are here for a Bearcats Food Pantry To-Go bag.
• If this is your first time, you will be asked to fill out an intake survey. The intake survey is meant to help the Bearcats Pantry understand the needs of the students it serves, as well as connect you, the student, to more resources available.
• After completing the intake survey, you will be given a prepackaged food bag. There will also be resources inside the bag that may assist you.

The Bearcats Pantry through the Division of Student Affairs has developed a meal swipe voucher program. Students can donate one swipe per semester to the pantry which will then become food vouchers for students with food insecurities. Students can use these vouchers at UC Main Campus dining halls and at UC Blue Ash Bleecker Street Cafe.

You will also be required to complete a food voucher intake survey. The intake survey is meant to help us understand each individual student better, as well as connect you, the student, to more resources.

If you have any questions regarding the vouchers, please contact the Assistant Dean of Students Office at ucbearcats1819care@gmail.com or call 513-556-5064.

• Assistant Dean of Students Office - Stratford Heights Building 21 Suite 101
• OMBUDS Office - 607 Swift Hall
• The Student Wellness Center - 675 Steger Student Life Center
• College of Engineering and Applied Sciences - 665 Baldwin Hall, Suite I
• College of Education, Criminal Justice, & Human Services - Student Services Center, 360 Teachers-Dyer Complex
• Student Conduct & Community Standards Office - Suite 745 Steger Student Life Center
• DAAP Student Affairs - 5470 Aronoff
• Student Affairs Office - 630 Steger Student Life Center
• University of Cincinnati Interfaith Coalition (UCIC) 

• The Wesley Foundation in Cincinnati (United Methodist) - Benji Sayre
• University Christian Church (Rohs Street Cafe) - Justine Hatton
• The Edge House - Lutheran Campus Ministry - Alice Conner
• St. Monica-St. George Newman Center (Catholic) - Leslie Keener
• Collegiate Ministry House - Ken Dillard
• Cincinnati Hillel - Sharon Stern
• Chabad at UC - Yitzi Creeger

Contact the Bearcats Pantry to subscribe to our donation contact list. We will email you when there is a fundraiser occurring on or near campus for the Bearcats Pantry.

You may also donate by contacting us at the above email to set up a drop time and location.

If you would like to create a food drive, please call or email us! We would love to work together with you on this endeavor.

Bearcats Pantry accepts monitary donations.  Please go to donate to the pantry.

Bearcats Pantry appreciates any and all donations! But here are some general guidelines:

• Suggested items include: Stews, chili, soup, canned meat, canned nuts and beans, peanut butter, cereals, pastas, sliced bread, instant breakfast drinks, evaporated milk, canned fruit and vegetables, applesauce, dried fruit, jelly, popcorn, snack packs, toiletries, chapstick, feminine hygiene products, socks, underwear, diapers, baby food, baby wipes, toilet paper, soap, laundry detergent packets, and sanitizing wipes
• Please donate single-serving sizes, pull-top cans/can openers, and non-glass items.
• No expired items
• Please keep in mind where these donations are going. Some students may not have access to can openers, a full kitchen, laundry facilities, or showering rooms.
• Please contact the Bearcats Pantry to donate monetary funds.

For information on volunteer opportunities, contact the Bearcats Pantry at ucbearcats1819care@gmail.com. Volunteer work for the Bearcats Pantry is eligible for credit hours.

Volunteer options include:

• Operate the Bearcats Pantry at the front desk located in the Math and Science Support Center in room 2133 French Hall West. This would include having new pantry users fill out an intake survey, unlocking the pantry door, and explaining the other resources located inside the bags; also provide a welcoming experience and answer any questions, if possible
• Stock, organize, and take inventory of the pantry or storage areas
• Create or distribute Bearcats Food Pantry To-Go food bags for satellite locations

Bag storage and the use of showers is available on the bottom level in the Campus Recreation Center.

General use microwaves are available in Tangeman University Center in the 2nd floor food court area.

Provides legal information to callers concerning landlord/tenant law. Call (513) 556-0053 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday - Friday.

Daniel S. Cummins - Assistant Dean of Students
Rachel Roseman - Graduate Assistant

Phone: 513-556-5064
Email: ucbearcats1819care@gmail.com