The Ram Pantry exists to mitigate college food insecurity.  

Food Insecurity is defined by the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) as “limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods, or a limited or uncertain ability to acquire acceptable foods in socially acceptable ways.” 

For VCU, it is a situation in which a student lacks access to enough nutritious food for a healthy, active life. It can be linked to negative student outcomes in physical and mental health, financial and housing insecurity and educational attainment.

Our Mission 

The mission of the Ram Pantry is to ensure food security, human dignity and well-being on campus by providing in-need VCU students with food. To this end, Ram Pantry will collaborate with university and community partners to research and implement innovative approaches to food security and community health. We will do our part to ensure that no student in the VCU community goes hungry and that every student has access to nutritious food. 

Contact

930 West Grace St.
Richmond, VA 23284
rampantry@vcu.edu
(804) 828-4514

http://linktr.ee/rampantry

 

Hours of Operation

The Pantry will be open:

1. Visit the Dean of Students’ office to receive additional resources to assist in times of a crisis.
2. Apply for food stamps here: https://www.dss.virginia.gov/benefit/snap.cgi. Virginia-SNAP-Food Stamps is a Virginia State initiated program whose primary goal is to enable low-income individuals access to a balanced meal. We encourage students to see if they qualify. 
3. Call 2-1-1 to receive directions to the nearest food pantry or visit https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank. For national food aid info, visit https://www.usa.gov/food-help.
4. United Network for Collegiate Pantry Sharing (UNCPS) – www.UNCPS.com
   Pre-qualification and Application Process Emergency Meal Service. UNCPS locates individual meal sponsorship partners (daily, weekly, and monthly) within our network to purchase emergency meals for restaurant pick-up in the community where the student is currently residing. Must have a student photo ID.  UNCPS are relying on the generosity of “Gift Meal” purchases – Meal availability is based on “Gift Meal” contributions.  Email:  VCU@uncps.com to confirm pre-qualification status, receive UNCPS Intake Form, and complete sign-up.
5. Visit other local pantries listed below, hours and services may vary. We encourage you to contact directly.

We have received a number of thoughtful responses from the Richmond community offering to assist with Ram Pantry's operations. We greatly appreciate all of the caring suggestions and share your concerns for the health and well-being of our students.  If you would like to help, please consider: 

• Donating financially via www.support.vcu.edu/give/rampantry
• Financial contributions are best for it allows us to have better control on our inventory levels, and ensures that food is distributed in a  timely manner. 
• Donating items via our Ram Pantry's Amazon Wish List
• Coordinating a food drive. Please email us at rampantry@vcu.edu for more information.
• Donating non-perishable foods during our operating hours
• Each pound of food donated to the pantry typically provides 1 meal to a student!
• Donating household items, reusable bags, and/or hygiene items 

If you are interested in volunteering at the Ram Pantry please contact us at rampantry@vcu.edu and we will reach out to you for weekly volunteering opportunities.