In light of a growing crisis on campuses nationwide, Hope International University has established a food pantry on campus as a free resource for any student who does not have enough to eat. According to the 2019 College and University Basic Needs Insecurity: A National #RealCollege Survey Report, up to 45% of college students surveyed reported they experienced food insecurity in the previous 30 days. 

With the help of initial donations, a new “HOPE Pantry” has been stocked and opened, and several students already have benefitted. Student Affairs staff and College of Psychology faculty are working together to develop effective and confidential ways to identify students in need and connect them to this new campus support service.

“We don’t know exactly how big the problem is yet, but we’re not going to sit idly by knowing some of our students are hungry,” stated HIU President, Dr. Paul Alexander. “My hope is that eventually some churches, groups, and compassionate individuals in the area might take this on as an ongoing ministry to our students.”

In addition to monetary donations, we also are currently accepting donations of gift cards and non-perishable food items, such as:·     

• Canned fish (salmon, tuna and sardines)
• Canned meats (chicken, turkey)
• Canned vegetables (low salt or no added salt)
• Canned fruit (packed in water versus syrup)
• Canned or boxed low-sodium soups and stews
• Canned chili 
• Canned beans
• Rice (brown, wild, white)
• Oats (steel-cut or rolled)
• Dry cereals (with at least 5 grams fiber/serving)
• Granola
• Dry, uncooked pasta noodles
• Pureed foods, such as sweet potato, pumpkin and applesauce
• Peanut butter & other nut butters (Nutella, almond, walnut)
• Dried herbs and spices and no-salt spice blends
• Dried fruits (prunes, mangoes, apricots, raisins)
• Shelf-stable milk alternatives (soy, almond, coconut, rice)
• Seeds (sesame, sunflower, pumpkin)
• Healthy oils (olive, grape seed)
• Tea (green, white herbal)
• Nuts (almonds, walnuts, pistachios, pecans)
• Honey
• Fruit juice

Non-food items that also are needed:

• Reusable, non-plastic bags (to carry pantry items)
• Shampoo & conditioner 
• Laundry soap
• Toilet paper/paper towels
• Deodorant
• Tooth brushes & toothpaste
• Body wash
• Hand soap/sanitizer
• Feminine hygiene products 

// To donate now via our secure giving portal, CLICK HERE

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If you are interested in learning more about the HOPE Pantry, please contact Dr. Laura Steele, Dean of HIU's College of Psychology & Counseling, at 714-879-3901, ext. 1235, or [email protected].