Purple Pantry

Location: Campus Center, Room 329 (west side of third floor)

Spring 2025 Hours:

• Monday: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (last entry at 12:45 p.m.)
• Tuesday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (last entry at 1:45 p.m.)
• Wednesday: 1 to 5 p.m. (last entry at 4:45 p.m.)
• Thursday: 2 to 6 p.m. (last entry at 5:45 p.m.)
• Friday: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (last entry at 1:45 p.m.)

User Agreement

By using Pantry and its services, you are agreeing to follow our Rules & Policies listed below. Failure to do so may result in conduct referrals and suspension of pantry privileges.

Rules & Policies

Eligibility Guidelines

• We are open to all current UAlbany students, faculty and staff. Alumni are ineligible.
• UAlbany community members are allowed to use the pantry once every 30 days, with certain exceptions over holidays and breaks.

Reminders Before Coming to Pantry

• Don’t forget your Albany ID. We accept physical and mobile ID cards. If you are registering for the first time, you will need your ID card, 001 student number, and UAlbany email address to register.  
• Bring reusable bags with you. New users get one free bag at signup. Returning users are responsible for bringing their own bags, regardless of how long it has been since their last visit.
• Be prepared to take your items with you when they leave. We cannot hold items for you, as we do not have the staff or storage capacity to wait for your classes to end. Plan accordingly.
• Arrive before final call. Final call for Pantry is 15 minutes before closure. If you are not checked in before that time, we can not guarantee entry, as most of our volunteers and staff have classes or jobs they need to go to. Note: Items are first come-first serve, and we may run out before your arrival.  

General Rules & Policies

• Harassment of any kind is not tolerated. Pantry staff and volunteers are your fellow students, donating their time and energy to help fellow students in need.  
• You may not check in using another person’s ID. Additionally, any attempt to use another person's ID while they are not present will result in its confiscation and a report to the school.
• Use the selection guides provided at check-in.  
• Only the user signed in to shop will be admitted to pantry. Exceptions can be made for those with disabilities, translation needs, or who are accompanied by children.
• Phone use is prohibited while shopping (i.e., photos, videos, phone calls). Please step outside if you need to take a call.
• Purple Pantry serves over 300 students each month. To ensure that we can provide food to as many people as possible, limits on how much each person is allowed to take are non-negotiable.
• Check your items before you bag out. Pantry users are responsible for ensuring that they have everything they need before leaving, and that they are happy with the items they select. We can not take back unwanted items.  
• The Purple Pantry follows USDA guidelines on food safety and frozen item storage. If you are uncomfortable eating food stored past its best by date, we ask that you do not take it, as we are not allowed to take food back or exchange it once removed from pantry. If you have questions regarding these guidelines, feel free to reach out to our manager.  

The Purple Pantry is typically stocked with the following non-perishable food items:

• Cereal
• Pasta and Rice
• Dinner Sides
• Bread or Muffin Mixes
• Dried or Canned Beans
• Canned Tuna and Chicken
• Canned Fruits and Vegetables
• Canned Soups
• Potato Flakes
• Snacks
• Condiments
• Cooking Oil

The Purple Pantry also typically has a rotating selection of frozen and fresh food items, as well as basic toiletries.

• Dried Pasta
• Oats
• Dried Beans or Lentils
• Peanut Butter
• Applesauce
• Canned Soups
• Spices

• Toothpaste and Toothbrushes
• Hand or Body Soap
• Shampoo and Conditioner
• Cleaning Products
• Tissue Boxes
• Paper Towels