The Oakhurst Campus Food Pantry provides essential resources to the USM community to fight food insecurity and meet the basic needs of students, faculty, and staff using a self-assessed need model.
We believe individuals should have the autonomy to determine their current level of need and be empowered with accessible, equitable, and inclusive resources to alleviate and eliminate the need.
We distributed over 10,900 lbs of food to the USM community in 2022
There is no paperwork to fill out or expectation to “prove” your current need in order to access the pantry; all you need is your current University of Maine System (UMS) ID. We do not limit how often you can access pantry resources.
We offer a wide range of food (non-perishable, cold, and frozen), household, and personal goods. Shop in-person at our Portland campus location or submit a pre-order online, available for pick-up in Portland, Gorham, and LAC.
The Pantry has experienced a steady increase in need over the last 18+ months as reflected in our data; resources distributed, spending to stock pantry items, and the number of people being served. Pantry regulars include undergraduate and graduate students, domestic and international students, and university staff and faculty. What was once supplemental for many people, has become a resource they regularly depend upon.
| Resources Distributed | 2020/2021 | 2021/2022 | 2022/2023* | 22/23 % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lbs of Food | 2687.38 | 6741.94 | 11932 | 343% Increase from 20/21, 77% Increase from 21/22 |
| # of Household/Personal Items | 241 | 1518 | 2269 | 6401% Increase from 20/21, 49% Increase from 21/22 |
| # of Visits | 188 | 811 | 1137 | 504.7% Increase from 20/21, 40% Increase from 21/22 |
| # of Food Items | 2140 | 8538 | 15668 | 632% Increase from 20/21, 83.5% increase from 21/22 |
Get Involved
Make a Tax-Deductible Gift online
Donate $10 through the USM University Store and receive a FREE “I Support the Campus Food Pantry” canvas tote bag! All proceeds go directly to the Pantry.
Donate Non-Perishable Food, Household, and/or Personal Goods – Items can be dropped off at the Pantry, anytime during our open hours. Current list of high-need items can be found HERE.
Send Items Directly to the Pantry – Check out our Amazon Wish List to have current, high-need items delivered directly to the Pantry.
Organize a Targeted Drive – Select 1-3 high-need items to collect; donation boxes and signage available for pick up upon request.
Volunteer – Fill out a (very short!) Support Inquiry and we will be in touch via email soon to discuss current volunteer opportunities!
Spread the Word – Follow us on Instagram @USMCampusFoodPantry; like and share Pantry posts to increase visibility. Current Pantry Resource Fliers are available to print, display, and distribute as needed.
Student Employment and Internships – Open to Undergraduate Students. Work-Study Funds Required for Student Employment. The Pantry offers competitive wages, flexible shift schedule, job-training, and more! We accept applications on a rolling basis.
Contact Information
Email: campusfoodpantry@maine.edu
Address: 102 Bedford Street, Portland
End of Driveway/Lower Level Entrance
The driveway is reserved for Pantry Use Only – You are welcome to park here to make deliveries, drop off donations, or when accessing our resources.
Fall 2023 Hours:
| Monday | 10am – 6pm |
| Tuesday | 10am – 6pm |
| Wednesday | 10am – 6pm |
| Thursday | 10am – 6pm |
| Friday | 10am – 6pm |
Instagram: @USMCampusFoodPantry
Get Involved: Fill out a (very short) Support Inquiry Form – we will respond by email soon!
Quick Links:
- List of High-Need Items
- Amazon Wish List
- Make a Tax-Deductible Donation
- “I Support The Campus Food Pantry” Canvas Tote Bag – Make a $10 donation through the USM Bookstore (online or in-person) and get a FREE pantry canvas tote. All proceeds go directly to the Pantry.
- Pantry Resource Fliers
Sarah Farrugia
Campus Food Pantry & Food Security Coordinator
sarah.farrugia@maine.edu
Community Partners
Oakhurst Dairy
In partnership with the USM Foundation, Oakhurst Dairy will donate $125,000 of in-kind products to the Campus Food Pantry over the next five years.
Martin’s Point
Sodexo Dining Services
Good Shepherd Food Bank of Maine
Wayside Food Recovery
University Credit Union
Gorham First Parish Church
Maine CDC
Maine Needs
Maine Recycles
PC Construction
Campus Partners
Facilities Management
Food Studies
Health Services
Human Resources
The Recovery Oriented Campus Center (ROCC)
TRIO/Promise Scholars
University Libraries & Learning
USM Foundation
Veteran Affairs
WMPG