No Empty Stomachs Allowed with the Bearcat Pantry

by: Elana Melzer ’26 

Some of McKendree’s best student resources are tucked away out of the eyesight of students, like The Bearcat Pantry! The Bearcat Pantry is here for students to provide them with resources to help them get through the week and with volunteer opportunities.  

The Bearcat Pantry is located on the first floor of Bothwell Chapel and is open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays, and by appointment. McKendree students can visit twice a week and take three items on each visit.  

The pantry provides students with access to free food, hygiene items, and meals in Ames Dining Hall. Bearcat Pantry is meant to provide supplemental support to students dealing with food insecurity to prevent Bearcats from going hungry.  

Maintaining a service like this takes a large amount of support. The pantry is a collaborative effort among the Student Affairs Department, Chaplain's Office, and various faculty, staff, administration, alumni, and area churches. They also rely on volunteers and donations to keep it running.  

Donations are accepted throughout the year. They accept unexpired goods like canned goods, microwaveable items, pasta, hygiene products, toiletries, and more. They also have an Amazon Storefront, allowing people to purchase items on Amazon and have it sent straight to the pantry!  

Volunteers are important to keep the pantry running. Volunteers do tasks like help restock and organize the pantry, and help students that come in. McKendree students can volunteer at the pantry as well. Volunteer work may be eligible for credit hours or community service hours.  

No matter if you have something to donate, need some food to get through the week, or are looking for volunteer opportunities, the Bearcat Pantry is here for all McKendree students! For more information on the pantry, contact Chaplain: Rev. Bev at blwilkes-null@mckendree.edu