By CAROLINE BIELEN
The Pitt Pantry has relocated to the kitchen at the O’Hara Student Center. Previously, the Pantry operated out of the lower level of the Bellefield Presbyterian Church across from Litchfield Towers.
According to Student Affairs spokesperson Janine Fisher, the decision to move the Pitt Pantry to the O’Hara Student Center in August 2022 was made “after some assessment.”
“It was determined that the space and accessibility of the O’Hara Student Center served our students in a better capacity,” Fisher said.
Fisher also said that “early feedback is very positive” regarding the Pantry’s move. “Considering we are so new into the semester, data cannot be compared just yet. We will be assessing the location and its operations during the year to ensure success for our clients.”
The volunteer-run organization strives to ensure that everyone in the Pitt community has regular access to a healthy, balanced diet and necessary household items. The Pantry also raises awareness of food insecurity and how to help reduce its prevalence.
“Approximately 200 individuals use the Pantry over the course of a year,” Fisher said. “Individuals are able to visit multiple times.”
At the Pitt Pantry, nonperishable food and fresh produce are available, including meat and dairy items.
Because of the move, however, the Pantry’s need for essential items has quickly increased. They are currently requesting donations of grain food, nonperishable food, school supplies, hygiene items, cleaning products, and kitchenware. Donations should be left in a box located outside the Pantry door or at the front desk.
To visit the Pantry, individuals fill out an initial sign-up form. Both in-person shopping and pre-packaged boxes of food for pick-up are available. In-person shopping is available by appointment, which should be made online 24 hours ahead of time.
Faculty and staff can visit the Pitt Pantry as well. “All members of the Pitt community are welcome to visit the Pantry,” Fisher said. “Shoppers may take food for themselves and any family members (children, spouses or partners with whom they share food) but unfortunately, not roommates.”
Roommates are encouraged to reach out to the Pitt Pantry separately.
The Pantry was created with charitable donations in 2015 and continues to operate on donations from individuals and local organizations. It alsos receive food items from the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.
The Pitt Pantry is open at the O’Hara Student Center, 4024 O’Hara St., from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Food can be requested from the Pantry up to twice per month. For supplemental food resources between visits, contact pantry@pitt.edu. For more information, visit pi.tt/pittpantry.
Caroline Bielen is a student writer for the University Times.
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