The Yellowjacket Food Pantry at the University of Wisconsin-Superior encourages the success of its students by alleviating the financial demand for groceries and other necessary products. The pantry works as a supplemental resource that is open to any student with a university ID.

In celebration of Black History Month, the pantry is seeking specific non-perishable food products, self care products and hygiene products. The collaboration began January 22 and continues until February 28. Those wishing to donate can utilize the program’s Amazon Wish List or drop off items at donation boxes located in Old Main, the Yellowjacket Union and Swenson Hall.

The pantry can only accept unopened and unused donations. For donors utilizing online resources, items can be sent directly to the pantry’s address (Swenson 1080, P.O. Box 2000, Superior, WI 54880).

Lisa Larson, case manager for the Dean of Students Office, oversees Yellowjacket Food Pantry activities. She highlights the pantries commitment to providing specific goods to all student demographics.

“We try really hard to acquire feedback on the pantry so that we can provide items we know the students are really going to use or need,” Larson says.

The Yellowjacket Food Pantry, located in Swenson Hall, Room 1080, is easily accessible, yet not in a busy area of the main academic building on campus.

“It’s not in a high-traffic area,” Larson says. “We provide anonymity as well as an opportunity for students to feel supported.”

Students visiting the pantry are not required to show proof of income or residence and are not limited to a certain amount of visits. They use a QR code to “check out” by entering their age bracket, student ID and how much the food that they are taking weighs.

“It’s super simple,” Larson claims. “It’s a great opportunity for people to come in without it being burdensome in any way. It doesn’t take a lot of time and students take only what they want to take.”

Items that typically go fast, such as ramen, canned meats and chips, are the only items with limits. Students searching for goods that are not currently available are encouraged to fill out a pantry-request form.

The Yellowjacket Food Pantry is open Mondays from 4 to 6:30 p.m., Tuesdays 10 to 11 a.m., Wednesdays 4 to 6:30 p.m., Thursdays noon to 2 p.m. and Fridays by appointment.

The pantry is also open during summer and other breaks. While hours may vary, the pantry guarantees a consistent effort to support UWS students.

By Olivia Fleming, English major and student writer for UWS.