What is the Purple Pantry?
The Purple Pantry is stocked with a variety of non-perishable foods, frozen foods, fresh produce, personal items and toiletries. It is open to all current UAlbany students, faculty and staff.
UAlbany community members can come to the pantry once every 30 days. You will be provided up to four days’ worth of food for you and the immediate members of your household, such as children, your partner and any other dependents. Review the instructions below for more details.
(Note: If you require more assistance, please use the Food Pantry Locater to access pantries and other food resources in the Capital Region.)
In addition to providing immediate food necessities, the Purple Pantry hosts programs designed to assist students with meeting their basic needs. These programs include screenings for WIC/SNAP benefits, nutritionist consultations, financial management and other initiatives.
How can I access the Purple Pantry?
Patrons are invited to come to the pantry and shop for their items in person. Online ordering is not available.
Patrons may enter the Purple Pantry until 15 minutes before closing. All patrons must bring a bag or box to the pantry to carry their items. We are only able to provide bags upon a patron's first visit to the pantry.
Location: Campus Center, Room 329 (west side of third floor)
Hours:
instructions
Monday, September 9, to Monday, December 9, 2024
- Monday: 1 to 5 p.m. (last entry at 4:45 p.m.)
- Tuesday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (last entry at 1:45 p.m.)
- Wednesday: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (last entry at 12:45 p.m.)
- Thursday: 2 to 6 p.m. (last entry at 5:45 p.m.)
- Friday: 11 a.m. 2 p.m. (last entry at 1:45 p.m.)
Tuesday, December 10, to Tuesday, December 17, 2024
- Monday: Noon to 3 p.m. (last entry at 2:45 p.m.)
- Tuesday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (last entry at 1:45 p.m.)
- Thursday: 2 to 6 p.m. (last entry at 5:45 p.m.)
Wednesday, December 18, 2024, to Monday, January 6, 3025
The Purple Pantry will be closed for the winter holidays during this time.
Tuesday, January 7, to Thursday, January 9, 2025
- Tuesday: 9 a.m. to noon (last entry at 11:45 a.m.)
- Thursday: 1 to 5 p.m. (last entry at 4:45 p.m.)
Friday, January 10, to Tuesday, January 21, 2025
- Monday: Noon to 3 p.m. (last entry at 2:45 p.m.)
- Tuesday: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (last entry at 1:45 p.m.)
- Thursday: 2 to 6 p.m. (last entry at 5:45 p.m.)
Please contact the Office of the Dean of Students at 518-442-5501 or [email protected] with any questions.
How can I donate to the Purple Pantry?
Financial donations are most helpful, since the Pantry can purchase food at a significantly discounted rate.
If you want to donate physical goods, such as toiletries and non-perishable food, please contact the Dean of Students Office at [email protected] to coordinate your drop-off. There are also purple drop-boxes around campus, which you can request for your building.
Note: We are unable to accept any open or unsealed food donations.
Our most needed items include:
donate
Toiletries
Shampoo
Toilet Paper
Paper Towels
Feminine Hygiene Products
Soap
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste
Laundry detergent
Dish Soap
Non-perishable Food
Spaghetti
Boxed Macaroni & Cheese
Cereal
Oats
Canned beans
Canned tuna fish
Canned vegetables
Canned fruit
Spaghetti Sauce
Soups
Canned Ravioli
Coffee
Tea
Canola Oil
Peanut Butter
Jelly
Can I volunteer for the Purple Pantry?
We're always looking for volunteers to staff the Pantry, stock the shelves, collect donations and more. Please email the Office of the Dean of Students at [email protected] if:
- You or your organization is interested in volunteering
- Your student group is interested in hosting a food drive
- You'd like a small collection bin placed in your department's offices or building
- You have donations in your collection bin that need to be picked up
Additional Resources
Campus Resources
- Student Emergency Fund
- Purple Threads
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Student Health Services
- Counseling & Psychological Services Center (CAPS)
- Financial Aid & Student Accounts
Community Resources
- Off-campus Food Assistance
- Food Pantry Locater
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program)
- Nutrition Outreach and Education Program
- WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children)
Thank you to our sponsors!
We would like to thank the various sponsors who continue to assist us in funding this critical initiative. Thanks to the support of SODEXO, the Seymour-Fox Foundation, Broadview, Aldi, Market 32 and all the individuals and groups who have raised money, organized food drives or otherwise donated to the pantry, the Purple Pantry is able to accomplish its mission of providing support to those in need.