aerial view of Western's campus at night, with golden lights surrounded by dark trees

Support Western's WHOLE Food Pantry

We have an amazing opportunity at Western to support our students in direct ways and address food insecurity together, as a community. Donated funds to the WHOLE food pantry are used to purchase food. WHOLE sees on average 700 students per week and is restocked 1-2 times per day Monday-Friday. We simply cannot keep up with the demand. 

Ways to give: 

  • You can give a monthly donation with a payroll deduction. Designate specific funds go to the WHOLE food pantry. 
  • Recurring donations, even small amounts, allow staff to plan better. 
  • You can give a one-time gift to WHOLE here. 
  • Donate to Viking Supported Agriculture- fresh produce goes directly to students. 
  • Nonperishable food donations are always accepted in the bin outside of WHOLE in VU 435. 

With recent basic need survey data available, basic needs insecurities among college students continue to be a major challenge. The Student Experience Survey administered in November 2024 saw rates of student food insecurity rise 14% among Washington college students being reported at 43.8%. Students surveyed at Western reported a food insecurity rate of 45.4%. Groups seeing the most significant basic need insecurities are first generation students, our former foster care student population, black/African American students, students with disabilities and low-income students.  

While food insecurity remains a major challenge for students, housing insecurity at 32.4% was reported by Western students as was access to health care and mental healthcare at rates well over 50%. The Basic Needs Hub and WHOLE food pantry is actively working to serve students experiencing basic needs insecurities, connecting students to on and off campus resources and providing nourishing food in the WHOLE food pantry. 

WHOLE and the Basic Needs Hub is excited to partner with you and we greatly appreciate you directing your giving efforts to students at Western.  

Want to learn more about the Basic Needs Hub? Visit us in Viking Union 420 or on our website. Have questions about Basic Needs and WHOLE, contact Gina Ebbeling, ebbelig@wwu.edu