Bear Necessities Pantry is open Monday–Friday from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm (or by appointment) for students needing groceries, toiletries, and everyday essentials.
The Pantry is located in the Student Resource Hub on campus.
If you have any questions, special items requests, or would like to set up an appointment, please contact Bailey Reader-Smith or Marlita Cadogan at breader@shawnee.edu or mcadogan@shawnee.edu
How can I support Bear Necessities?
The Bear Necessities Pantry operates entirely on donations of non-perishable goods as well as monetary donations. Monetary donations are accepted in the form of cash or check made payable to Shawnee State University with Bear Necessities Pantry in the memo line. Donations can be dropped off in the Morris University Center, Room 222 between the hours of 8 am to 3 pm Monday to Friday.
Support the Bear Necessities Pantry every time you shop at Kroger—at no extra cost to you!
Simply link your Kroger Shopper's Card to the Kroger Community Rewards program by following the directions below. Every eligible purchase helps provide food and essential supplies to students experiencing food insecurity while you continue earning your own Kroger rewards.
- Sign in to your Kroger account through the Kroger app or online.
- Tap the Person icon in the upper-left corner.
- Open the Payment & Rewards menu.
- Select Community Rewards.
- Search for Bear Necessities Food & Supply Pantry (or search by ZIP code [45662]).
- Click Enroll.
Over the past three academic years, the Bear Necessities Pantry has received an average of $700 annually through this program. Every new participant helps us support even more students. Thank you for making a difference—one grocery trip at a time!
Suggested Donation List
Food:
Pasta Sides, Mashed Potatoes, Boxed Cereal, Oatmeal, Fruit Snacks, Fruit Cups, Microwave Popcorn, Canned Vegetables, Canned Fruit, Canned Pasta, Macaroni & Cheese, Soups, Ramen Noodles, Pop Tarts, Chili, Canned Beans, Instant Rice, Canned Tuna, Crackers, Granola Bars, Pudding Cups, Muffins
Toiletries:
Tooth Brushes, Toothpaste, Deodorant, Feminine Hygiene Products, Bath Soap, Shampoo/Conditioner, Lotion, Toilet Paper
School Supplies:
Notebooks, Loose Leaf Paper, Note Cards, Pens, Pencils, Hi-Lighters, Notecards, Folders, Binders, Post-Its