GaelPantry

In the Fall of 2016 the GaelPantry was opened after a growing number of students voiced their concerns for other students struggling to make ends meet economically, and thus were forgoing meals. This food pantry is just one of over 800 on-campus food pantries meeting the unfortunate reality for many college students: food insecurity. Food insecurity can hit anyone at any time throughout any phase of life. The GaelPantry is a tangible way that SMC, through the MMC, is providing better systems of food security on campus. For additional resources, please see SMC's Nutritional Support page.

GaelPantry Hours and Location:

The GaelPantry is located behind the Soda Center and is available to all SMC students who live on or off campus. Every student has 10 points a week available to use, all we need from you is your student ID #

If your need exceeds 10 points and you need additional food support, please email Carrie Davis, at cak6@stmarys-ca.edu.

GaelPantry Hours - Spring 2023:

Mondays/ Wednesdays: 1pm - 3pm
Tuesdays/ Thursdays: 6pm - 8pm

Solidarity Suppers:

The GaelPantry Team and other campus collaborators host three FREE DINNERS a semester available for all Saint Mary's students.

Spring Solidarity Suppers will take place on the following Wednesdays from 5pm - 6pm in the MMC Courtyard (between Oliver Hall & the Chapel):

March 1st, 2023

March 29th, 2023

April 19, 2023

GaelPantry FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Who is eligible to use the GaelPantry?

Any Saint Mary’s College student with a valid student ID number.

Do I need to prove need?

No. Food insecurity can hit anyone at any time throughout any phase of life. We will not ask for any kind of income verification.

When is the GaelPantry open?

Hours are updated above and on our Instagram page @gaelpantry

Where is the GaelPantry located?

The GaelPantry is located behind the Soda Center, see map on page.

How often can I get food from the GaelPantry?

Each student has 10 points per week, the points reset every Monday!

What should I expect when I come to the GaelPantry?

You are free to pick out items from the shelves and a student in the pantry will log your Student ID # and the items you have chosen. This student will ensure that your items add up to 10 points.

What do we do with student information?

Your name will not be disclosed; only your Student ID. Our student volunteers have been trained to keep confidentiality. Our system is designed with the purposes of ensuring that we have enough food items to meet demand and providing the necessary data for funding.

How can I keep up to date on GaelPantry hours and special events?

What types of food are available at the GaelPantry?

Some staple items at the GaelPantry:

Canned beans, fruits, tuna, chicken, soup, vegetables
Milk
Cereal
Granola bars, Energy bars
Jam/Jelly, Peanut Butter
Pasta, Macaroni and cheese
Rice
Oatmeal
Some Fresh Produce
Other items as they are made available

GETTING INVOLVED:

If I am interested in volunteering at the GaelPantry...

Please contact mmc@stmarys-ca.edu or send us a message on Instagram @gaelpantry.

If I want to make a financial donation to the GaelPantry...

Monetary donations can be made online by clicking on the Gael Pantry Fund button on the top right side of this page.

We always accept checks made out to Saint Mary's College with GaelPantry written in the memo section. These checks can be mailed to:

Mission and Ministry Center, Saint Mary's College of CA, 1928 St. Mary's Road, PMB 4777, Moraga, CA 94575

HISTORY:

Why did SMC start an on-campus food pantry?

Food insecurity is a growing concern among college students across the nation; reports show that between 20% and 60% of college students on a college or university campus experience food insecurity. Food insecurity is defined as “the state of being without reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.” Although Saint Mary’s may be located in an affluent area, its students are by no means exempt from the challenges of food insecurity. In light of the growing cost of higher education, food is often the first thing to be cut from a college student’s budget.

After students on the SMC campus made a point to reveal the level of need that occurs on this campus, it became clear that action needed to be taken in order to support and care for our students. Since our Lasallian Mission has concern for the poor and social justice as a core principle, the installment of a physical support to students aligns with the larger mission of SMC.

What is the history of the GaelPantry?

In March of 2014, SMC students took it upon themselves to reveal struggles they were experiencing in an event called Economic Realities. When students took the opportunity to voice their concerns to staff and administration, for themselves and for fellow students, it became evident that students needed tangible resources--particularly nutritional assistance. Plans to install an on-campus food pantry began to take effect in May 2014-2015 but got steam when MMC partnered with the Christian Brothers and invested students in January 2016. The GaelPantry Committee was formed by the Mission and Ministry Center, student leaders, and Christian Brothers in March. The GaelPantry Committee produced a GaelPantry Proposal that was shared with the Cabinet. In May 2016, a student group called “End the Silence” requested an on-campus food pantry in their list of demands as a tangible support for students, again demonstrating the urgency for this resource. The President and Cabinet accepted the proposal with the understanding that the Mission and Ministry Center (MMC) will coordinate its operation (reporting to the VP for Mission) for a one year pilot program. The CFO recommended that the Director of MMC work with Good Eats to secure support and an appropriate space. The pantry offically opened on October 12, 2016 and has stayed open ever since.

During 2020-2021 we wanted to ignite our community with something fun, interactive and creative to look forward to each week: #FoodPantryFriday. Click here for videos and/or recipes from members of our SMC community. Their creations include ingredients available to you at the GaelPantry and up to 2 additional ingredients from your own pantry.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Additional Resources are on SMC's Nutritional Support page