Bear Pantry

Center

What We Do

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

Email bear.pantry@unco.edu
Phone 970-351-3667
Location University Center 1105

Free groceries and essentials when you need them.

UNC’s Bear Pantry is here to support you—whether you’re a student or employee—by providing free access to food and basic items each week.

What to bring: Your Bear ID Number

 

What is Available?

Items change weekly, but you’ll often find:

Household Essentials

  • Paper towels
  • toilet paper
  • lightbulbs

Hygiene & Health

  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Body wash
  • Toothpaste
  • Menstrual products

If you need a product that is not available email us at bear.pantry@unco.edu.

Food & Drinks

  • Milk and milk alternatives
  • Eggs, cheese, and butter
  • Pasta, rice, canned goods (veggies, beans, soup, fruit)
  • Meat and alternatives like tofu or canned meat
  • Snacks

A Look Inside the Pantry

The Bear Pantry Coolers stocked with food.
Two students selecting their items at Bear Pantry.
Oranges and avocados sit in baskets in Bear Pantry
Cartons of milk in the Bear Pantry coolers.
A shelf full of canned goods.

Weld Food Bank Mobile Pantry

The Weld Food Bank Mobile Pantry stops by campus several times a year—giving UNC students and community members free access to fresh and staple foods.

You’ll typically find:

  • Fruits like melons, apples, and oranges
  • Vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, and corn
  • Dairy items like milk, cheese, and butter
  • Snacks
  • Frozen meats including chicken, beef, and pork

Bring your own Bags

There’s usually plenty to take home!

 

Heads up!

The Bear Pantry will be closed during mobile pantry events but will reopen with regular evening hours afterward.

Need help buying groceries?

SNAP can help.

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is a federal benefit that helps people buy groceries each month—and many college students qualify without even realizing it.

Not sure if you’re eligible or how to apply? You don’t have to figure it out alone.

The Center for Student Well-Being (CSW) has resource navigators who can:

  • Help you check your eligibility
  • Walk you through the application
  • Check on the status of your application
  • Answer any questions along the way

 

Free Emergency Meals at Holmes Dining Hall

If you're experiencing food insecurity, UNC has your back.

You can request up to three free meals, loaded right onto your UNC ID card, to use at Holmes Dining Hall.

You may qualify if:

  • You don’t have a UNC meal plan or you’ve used up (or are close to using up) your meal plan and Dining Dollars.

Click the link to see if you qualify. It’s quick, easy, and confidential.

A long exposure photograph of a student walking in Holmes Dining Hall

Find Resources and Get Involved

A student reaches for a can of food.

Additional Resources

Discover our campus resources that can help address food insecurity and other support.

A student volunteer helps another student check out.

Volunteer Opportunities

Ready to get involved? Learn more about how you can make a difference!

Meet Our Team