Money problems and economic stress have characterized “the college experience” for years, now, amid the rising cost of living and groceries, college students may be feeling more financial anxiety. With this in mind, the University of North Georgia offers a free food pantry for students and faculty to use as needed.

Located in the Stewart Success Center Room 276 on the Dahlonega campus, the UNG Food Pantry provides students and faculty in need with non-perishable foods, school supplies, hygiene items and other necessities. A variety of items, including frozen meals, canned goods and snacks are offered to provide balanced meal options for students without the cost.

The food pantry was founded by the Appalachian Studies Center and other UNG volunteers in 2016 to aid those in need within the UNG community and was originally located in Dahlonega’s Historic Vickery house on campus. This year, it was relocated to the Stewart Student Success Center to provide more centralized access.

While the food pantry was founded by the Appalachian Studies Center, students from all areas of study maintain its operation as volunteer work or part of the federal work-study program.

Tyler Fehl, cybersecurity major and UNG Student worker at the food pantry, says, “Not many people know about this place and its resources.” He also said the food pantry is always taking donations.

The food pantry is staffed, often by students, during operating hours and its resources are available to the UNG community through a simple sign-in process.

If you’re interested in donating to the UNG Food pantry, or in need of its resources, these are the items offered/needed:

Non-perishable food:

• Broth
• Nuts and other protein snacks
• Spaghetti, alfredo, taco sauces, salsa and seasonings
• Peanut butter
• Vacuum packed chicken and tuna
• Mayonnaise and sweet pickle relish
• Individual microwavable meals
• Canned fruit
• Individual snacks such as applesauce, pudding and Jello
• Non-perishable milk & small packs of cereal

Non-food supplies:

• Toilet paper
• Paper towels
• Baby wipes
• Shampoo
• Toothpaste/Toothbrushes
• Laundry soap
• Dishwasher detergent
• Cleaning supplies
• Blue exam books

Hours of Operation:

Monday – Tuesday:

• 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Wednesday:

• 9 a.m. – noon
• 3:30 p.m. – 5:20 p.m.

Thursday:

• 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Friday:

• 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

For more information, visit the UNG food pantry’s website.