Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Who can use the PCC Panther Pantry?

Registered students with a PCC ID, current college employees, and faculty with a PCC ID.

How often can I access the Panther Pantry to shop and during what hours?

To shop the Panther Online Pantry, you must:

• be currently registered in credit, ABE/GED, or ESOL classes
• show a PCC ID
• have a PantrySoft account*

*New users can create a PantrySoft account using their MyPCC credentials. If you need assistance creating a PantrySoft account, stop by the pantry or email basicneeds@pcc.edu

With our new flexible,  online shopping system, students can place a shopping order once every week or once a month. The choice is theirs to figure out what works best for them, but they cannot place more than one order a week.

How often can I access the Grab n’ Go?

Students are allowed to access 1 snack and 1 drink (if available) once per day.

Why is a PCC Student or Employee ID required?

It is important that we verify users are a part of the PCC community. The Panther Pantry is funded by Student Activity Fee and funds donated through the PCC Foundation. As a result, this resource is designated to serve currently enrolled PCC students and college employees.

What items are available at the Panther Pantry?

• Rice
• Beans
• Soup
• Pasta
• Vegetables (canned or fresh)
• Fruit (canned or fresh)
• Milk
• Meat
• Canned meat
• Peanut butter
• Applesauce
• Cooking oil
• Cereal
• Boxed meals
• Bread

**All items are subject to availability and are not consistent from week to week.

Why do items differ from week to week? Do you have culturally specific foods?

While we strive to provide consistent staple items, we rely on The Oregon Food Bank for most items provided in the pantries. When culturally specific items are available, we try to secure these items as often as possible.

What are equity limits?

With limited resources, we must ensure that what we do have, goes to users equitably. There are limits on popular and low-stocked items to help spread supplies to as many people as possible. We call these weekly limits, “equity limits”.

Why do I have to shop online?

The decision to transition our services to an online system is based on best practices seen in colleges and universities across the country.  The new model is part of a broader commitment by PCC, outlined in PCCs Strategic Plan to address student basic needs with compassion, innovation, and equity.

The Student Basic Needs Center model that includes professional staff, Peer Navigators, student leaders and volunteers in a common space, aims to provide students easily accessible and meaningful campus belonging spaces while connecting the essentials they need to thrive in their academic endeavors.  These changes allow us to offer extended operational hours at each location due to the addition of the Panther Pick up Lockers and our online ordering system. Streamlining student access to services and resources is critically important during this time of budget and food shortages.

The Panther Pantry was designed as a stop-gap food distribution system. Approximately 62% of our student users have been utilizing the Panther Pantry as their only source of supplemental food support. Our goal is to bring that number down by providing wrap around services and warm handoffs. Success will be measured not simply by the pounds of food we distribute but by the reduction in people who need our services and those who are connected to additional services. Our goal is to shift from providing short-term food support to a more robust set of community services that offer more sustainable, long-term assistance.

Why are some items past their expiration date?

The Oregon Food Bank often gives out food items that are “past date.” The dates on food labels can be confusing. The truth is, they often have little to do with food safety. Except for infant formula, product dating is not required by Federal regulations. The date tells you how long the food will be at the best quality when unopened. Once a food is past that date, many stores and businesses donate it to food banks. Food Bank staff monitor this food to make sure the quality is good.

Where does the food come from?

We purchase food from the Oregon Food Bank and various local grocery stores. In addition to purchasing food, we receive weekly donations from Fresh Alliance (local grocery stores), college partners, and distribution centers.

Can I have someone pick up my order for me (a proxy)?

If you would like someone to pick up your pantry order for you in the Student Basic Needs Center, you must fill out this form. Completion of this form allows for you to name a proxy (a person you name) to pick up an order on your behalf. The form must be filled out at least 3 days prior to your order. This person will be your proxy until you contact Student Basic Needs and ask them to be removed. 

Once submitted someone from the Student Basic Needs team will contact you. 

Do you deliver food to students’ homes?

No. We do not have the ability to deliver food to students’ homes. Please see the Food Finder map to locate a pantry or food bank near you.

Do you provide hot meals?

Emergency Meal Vouchers are vouchers that are used for students who need a hot meal. These vouchers are available to use at PCC Dining Services and have an expiration date. To receive an Emergency Meal Voucher you may be asked to talk briefly with Peer Resource Navigator a pantry staff member. Our goal is to ensure you have access to all the resources you may need to be successful. To inquire about an Emergency Meal Voucher, please email basicneeds@pcc.edu. Voucher availability may vary.

What are Meals in the Moment?

The Meals in the Moment program at Portland Community College (PCC) is designed to provide ready-to-eat food options to students directly on campus within PCC centers or other designated spaces. We understand that community college students are often balancing multiple responsibilities, and ensuring they have access to nutritious meals while studying is crucial for their academic success and overall well-being..

Program Goals

• Provide holistic meal options: Offering complete meals rather than just pre-packaged snacks.
• Expand food access: Reaching students in more locations beyond the Panther Pantries and Student Basic Needs Centers.
• Build community: Fostering connections within departments by providing shared meal access.

Do you provide clothing?

No. Panther Pantries are not set up to receive or distribute clothing items. Some campuses have free clothing tables available.

Do you provide medicines?

No. Per State of Oregon regulations, we are not allowed to provide medicine.

How can I get involved?

Volunteers are welcome at the Panther Pantries. To become a volunteer you must fill out this form. After your submission, you will receive a responding email that directs you to read the volunteer manual and watch videos. After you have done that you will contact basicneeds@pcc.edu and a Program Specialist will follow up with you.

Can I donate food to the PCC Panther Pantry?

There are many ways to donate to the pantries!

At the pantry

• Dry and Shelf Stable Food
  • Cans must contain labels. They cannot be rusty, bulging, leaking, or have sharp creases or dents on the rims
  • Glass containers must not be cracked or chipped and the lid must be sealed.
  • Packages cannot be torn or opened unless there is a sealed inner package.
• Non-Food
  • Must be clean, dry, and unused (must have safety seal)

**Pesticides or other hazardous chemicals cannot be accepted.

Donate online

If you prefer to donate monetary donations, donate online through the PCC Foundation. Please designate that the donation go to the Panther Pantry.

OR

PCC Panther Pantries have an Amazon Wish for items that are most needed. Any items you purchase to donate from Amazon can be sent directly to the Panther Pantries. Donate through Amazon »

How do I provide feedback?

Fill out this form to provide feedback.

Where can I find additional support?

For additional food resources and support please see Panther Pantries additional resource tab.