The pop-up pantry is a joint effort on campus, with support coming from the newly formed Basic Needs Advisory Board, which is co-chaired by Off-Campus Life and Community Service-Learning staff and has representation from across the university and Harrisonburg community. We have partnered with the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank to ensure a consistent supply of quality options. The pantry has started largely with shelf-stable goods, some hygiene products, and limited fresh produce. Options will grow and expand as we better understand the needs of our community.

The Pantry is currently accepting donations for hygiene products and basic school supplies. To arrange a drop off of donated supplies, please email us at OCL@jmu.edu or call 540-568-6071. Additionally, we welcome food items that have been requested but are not currently available through the food bank, including bottles of oils and vinegar, spices and herbs, basic baking items, and shelf-stable (non-refrigerated) soy and almond milk.

This project is generously funded by donations from alumni and community friends. Donations can be made here. We also want to recognize JMU Dining Services for partnering with us in this service to students, providing fresh fruit for the pantry each week.

The pantry is opened to all JMU students. No questions asked.

Additionally, there is a student-driven initiative in partnership with Canterbury Episcopal Campus Ministry, called SHELF’D (Students Helping Every Last Fellow Duke). This resource is located just off campus, at 741 South Main Street. Tucked away on the back porch of Canterbury Episcopal Campus Ministry, SHELF’D strives to offer a stigma-free gateway to nutrition for anyone who feels they do not have enough nutritious food to eat. If you are hungry, you are welcome. No exceptions, no questions asked.