Off-Campus Life (OCL) is committed to help students thrive in their off-campus communities. Part of our focus in these efforts is in supporting students’ basic needs, specifically when it comes to housing and food insecurity.
*Special Hours for the Week of 3/21/20-3/27/20*
Sunday: 12-3PM
Monday: 12-6PM
Wednesday: 12-5PM
While the Festival is closed to the public, the pantry is still accessible through the lower level Highlands Room exterior doors, across from the Bio Science Building.
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 donation for hygiene products and basic school supplies. These can be dropped off at the Off-Campus Life office in the Festival Conference & Student Center, Suite 1130, during our operating hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, or at any pop-up pantry event. Additionally, we welcome food items that have been requested but are not currently available through the food bank, including: oils and vinegars, 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 nutritional food to eat. If you are hungry, you are welcome. No exceptions, no questions asked.
