Bruin Community Pantry
John 6:35
Then Jesus said, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry. And whoever believes in me will never be thirsty."
The Bruin Community Pantry is an Office of Student Life-led initiative seeking to address the real problem of hunger (food insecurity) on campus. It is our goal to help meet the needs of students who, for one reason or another, do not have access to enough healthy food.
We also encourage students to utilize the various resources in the Newberg and Yamhill County communities who are established to assist people when resources are depleted.
Additionally, George Fox University has many resources available to students to assure that they are given every opportunity to accomplish their academic goals.
The Bruin Community Pantry not only addresses food insecurity among students, but we also work to connect students with resources that will encourage their own personal goals to graduate and procure a meaningful career.
Those wishing to contribute to BCP by donating money can go here, or contact Jere Witherspoon (jwithers@georgefox.edu or 503-554-2316) for more information.
Resources
Food Bank
All George Fox community members have access to the pantry, located in the Roberts Center’s Room 109.
Please use the entrance off Sherman Street, through the courtyard.
The physical location of food pantry - 501 N. Villa Road, Newberg
Roberts Center - room 109
We encourage everyone to get the COVID-19 vaccine. If you have questions about the vaccine, we are prepared to help you navigate making this decision. Please email bruincommunitypantry@georgefox.edu.
Sign up for the COVID-19 vaccination clinic on Sept. 15, 2021
FOOD BANK HOURS - August 30 through December 17, 2021
- Closed during all George Fox holidays
If you are interested in volunteering, please email bruincommunitypantry@georgefox.edu
If you need to access the food bank during alternative times or need more information, please email bruincommunitypantry@georgefox.edu
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program)
This program is designed to help people stay healthy during difficult times.
- SNAP for College Students: An overview
- Do you need help applying for SNAP (food stamp) benefits?
- Contact the Student Life Office for assistance (503-554-2310)
Community Resources
- Yamhill Community Action Partnership
- FISH - Friends in Service to Humanity - Newberg's Food Pantry
- Newberg Community Resources
- Love Inc, Newberg
- 2nd Street Community Church - Community Drop-In Center
- Community Wellness Collective of Yamhill County
- Evening meals are served in the Newberg area Mondays through Friday
- Food banks
- Gardening, food, and cooking classes
- Housing resources
- Transportation
- Medical care
Academic Resources
- Learning Support Services
- Textbook Assistance
- Academic Planning
- Disability Services
- Commuter Connections
- Spiritual Counseling
- Health and Counseling
- Student Clubs
- Student Support Network
- edquity - A resource for financial assistance outside of GFU
Food Donations
Donations of non-perishable items to the food bank can be delivered to Roberts Center - Room 109 - during the hours of operation.
Read about the top best non-perishable foods to donate here.
Oregon COVID-19 Information and Resources
Food safety, nutrition, and wellness during COVID-19
Reports and Information
- Real College Institution Report - George Fox University - 2019
- We are an official member of the College and University Food Bank Alliance ( CUFBA)
- We are an official partner with Yamhill Community Action Partnership
- Bruin Community Pantry Annual Report
2020-2021 - Information Graphic
June 2021
COVID's impact on college student hunger
April 2019
Bruin Community Pantry Annual Report
Fall 2020
In 2014, George Fox University received a grant from Bob and Charlee Moore to fund nutrition awareness among college students. In the summer of 2020, the remaining funds of the grant were used to build a 'demonstration kitchen' where students, faculty, and staff can come together to share and learn to cook nutritious foods.
Starting in the fall of 2021, these classes will begin in conjunction with the work of the Bruin Community Pantry.
Q&A
What is food insecurity?
It is the limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods, or the ability to acquire such foods in a socially acceptable manner. The most extreme form is often accompanied by physiological sensations of hunger.
Why start a pantry program on the George Fox campus?
A recent study of the George Fox student body revealed the following:
- 19 percent of respondents indicated they were experiencing a temporary hardship that affected their ability to have enough to eat.
- 13 percent of those surveyed indicated that they did not have access to an adequate amount of food due to a lack of resources.
- 64 percent indicated that they had a friend who did not have access to an adequate amount of food.
Why would a student be food insecure at George Fox? Doesn't financial aid cover the cost of their food?
Complicating factors affect many students’ financial situations, whether they are on financial aid or not. Students may experience food insecurity due to a variety of financial circumstances and situations. Some students may be responsible for sending money home to care for family members.
Students may also have complicated family dynamics, which leads to the family withholding financial support. Additional factors could include major unexpected expenses, such as medical, transportation issues, or housing problems.
Who can donate to the Bruin Community Pantry? What types of donations are accepted?
Throughout the year we will promote food drives to fill our food bank shelves. We will take donations of non-perishable food items and essential toiletries throughout the year. Periodically, we will have messages in the Daily Bruin.
Donations can be dropped off at the student life office on the third floor of the Stevens Center during regular business hours.
Those wishing to contribute to BCP by donating money can go here , or contact Jere Witherspoon ( jwithers@georgefox.edu or 503-554-2316) for more information.
Is there a wish list of pantry items?
Yes. We will accept the following types of contributions:
- Boxed meals, such as mac and cheese and Hamburger Helper
- Rice
- Pasta
- Quinoa
- Tortilla chips
- Pita chips
- Beef jerky
- Coffee
- Tea
- Hot sauces
- Canned veggies
- Canned fruits
- Canned beans
- Canned meats
- Chili
- Soups
- Salsa
- Marinara sauce
- Chicken and vegetable broth
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Crackers
- Cereal
- Cheese sticks
- Nuts
- Peanut butter, jelly, honey
- Applesauce pouches, fruit cups
- Protein bars, granola bars, fruit bars
- Dried fruit (cherries, figs, blueberries)
- Oil
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Toothbrushes
- Toothpaste
- Body wash
- Tissues
- Toilet paper
- Paper towels
- Laundry soap
- Dish soap
- Frozen vegetables
- Frozen meat
- Frozen fruit
In the News
Our efforts to provide resources for our students recently gained national attention. See this story in the May 2, 2019, issue of the New York Times to read more about the national hunger crisis on college campuses and what we and other schools are doing about it.
The Council for Christian Colleges and Universities outlined the problem of food insecurity in their recent issue. The efforts of the Bruin Community Pantry to combat this problem is featured in the article. Read this story from October 2019.
More Information
Jere Witherspoon, Office of Student Life: 503-554-2316 or jwitherspoon@georgefox.edu