The food pantry was originally founded by the Center for Social Justice and Community Impact and located in the Cole Memorial Chapel Basement as a result of the pandemic impacting the closures of colleges across the country.

In the past, SJCI has worked with the Hungry Lyons Theme House, campus departments, and individual staff and faculty members to bring attention to food insecurity. The Wheaton Pantry was envisioned by a team of students and staff sharing commonality in alleviating hunger at Wheaton College through advocacy and direct support, with the understanding that this issue disproportionately affects students of color and low-income students in our community. We intend to institutionalize the College’s pantry by providing educational and supplementary resources to students.

The mission of the food pantry is rooted in the belief that, by providing our community members with access to sustainable food options, we are also supporting educational success through advancement and accessibility.

Location

The Pantry is located on the first floor of the Madeleine Clark Wallace Library in Room 113.

Fall Hours of Operation*

*effective until Friday, December 8, 2023

  • Mondays: 9–11 a.m
  • Tuesdays: 1–3 p.m
  • Wednesdays: 11 a.m – 1 p.m
  • Thursdays: 5–7 p.m
  • Fridays: 3–5 p.m

End of Fall Semester Hours of Operation*

*effective December 11, 2023 through December 19, 2023

  • Mondays: 9–11 a.m
  • Tuesdays: 9–11 a.m

Winter Break Hours of Operation

The Pantry will be closed during Winter Break (Wednesday, December 20, 2023 through Tuesday, January 2, 2024). However, we will have an unattended mobile-pantry set up in Conger Commons (Pine Hall) in its place. Students are welcome to explore and take any food/hygiene item needed from the bins that will be set up in that space, starting December 18th.

Winter Session Hours of Operation*

*effective January 3, 2024 through January 23, 2024

  • Mondays: 9–11 a.m
  • Tuesdays: 9–11 a.m

What’s available

  • canned goods
  • pasta
  • rice
  • bread
  • milk & non-dairy alternatives
  • tuna and other packaged meats
  • frozen meals
  • frozen vegetables
  • snacks
  • gluten-free options
  • Kosher options
  • Halal options
  • hygiene products
  • toiletries
  • health & menstrual products
  • and more…

Need Help?

Wheaton College has joined Swipe Out Hunger as the 5th Massachusetts institution in piloting a meal share program for the current academic year as an effort to promote a more food-secure campus. At this time, only commuter students are eligible to take advantage of this program. To apply, simply follow the link to the Meal Swipe Request Form and fill out the required information. Our team will work with you to determine the number of meals, based upon your individual needs and the number of swipes available in the swipe bank.

Meal Swipe Request Form
Meal Swipe Donation Form

Ways to Make Financial Donations

Connect With Us

Feel free to visit the Pantry for additional informational resources involving food insecurity, SNAP benefits, pantries in the area, or related items.
For any questions, concerns, and/or feedback please reach out to the Center for Social Justice and Community Impact ([email protected]).

The Marjorie Judith McNamara Bland’ 62 Emergency Discretionary Endowed Fund
The College understands that food insecure can cause significant stress and uncertainty, which impacts students’ academic success and personal well-being. The Judy Bland Emergency Fund helps to cover some of the costs involved in supporting and maintaining the operation of the Wheaton Pantry. The fund is named for Wheaton alumna M. Judith McNamara Bland ’62 who has been a long-time contributor to an emergency fund for students facing unexpected expenses.