EWU Food Pantry Launches Amazon Wish List

For Eastern Washington University students struggling to afford groceries and everyday necessities, even a small donation can make a difference. The EWU Food Pantry has introduced a new Amazon Wish List that allows community members to donate food, hygiene products and household essentials, with items starting at around $1.

Carla Benson, a patient services supervisor in EWU’s Counseling and Wellness Services office, created the wish list. Although she doesn’t work directly with the pantry, Benson regularly interacts with students seeking campus resources. In her nine years at EWU, she has noticed students taking on increasingly busy work schedules to manage financial pressures.

“Food insecurity is a concern for a lot of students,” Benson says.

Rising housing costs, difficulty finding employment and the expense of traveling outside Cheney for work can all contribute to students’ financial struggles. Benson says some students work 20 to 30 hours a week while attending classes, leaving little time for other responsibilities.

She also hopes to challenge misconceptions about food insecurity, including the assumption that students could avoid it by spending less on coffee or cooking more often. Some students do not have access to a kitchen, while others have demanding schedules that make preparing meals difficult.

Beyond hunger, food insecurity can bring stress and embarrassment. Benson says worrying about how to afford the next meal or opening an empty refrigerator can create anxiety and make it harder to concentrate in class.

The wish list offers a way for people to support the pantry regardless of their budget. It includes inexpensive items such as spices alongside larger purchases like laundry pods, allowing donors to contribute what they can. The list also includes essentials the pantry may not otherwise have room in its budget to purchase, such as non-dairy milk and specialty hygiene products.

Some items are selected with accessibility in mind. For students who rely on public transportation, smaller portions of laundry detergent pods can be easier to carry than a large container.

“It’s just a basic level of dignity for another human being and for another student,” Benson says.

Benson hopes people recognize that donations do not have to be large to matter. Even a small bottle of seasoning can make someone’s meal a little better.

“Even if you don’t have a ton of money, you could still donate something and make a difference,” Benson says.

EWU community members can support the Student Food Pantry by visiting its Amazon Wish List. Whether it’s a small purchase or a larger donation, every contribution helps provide students with resources to meet their basic needs.

CAMPUS FOOD DRIVES:

• EWU faculty and staff are asked to bring donations of non-perishable food items to the Fall Luncheon on Nov. 19.
• EWU Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams are collecting items for the EWU Food Pantry during upcoming games, Nov. 13-Dec. 17.

GETTING HELP:

• If you need food assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out because the pantry is here to help. Learn more by visiting the pantry’s webpage.
• The pantry, located in 129 E Tawanka Hall, is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., and on Wednesday, from 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m.