Spartan Food Pantry

A student shops at the SJSU Spartan Food Pantry, holding a red apple and a basket filled with groceries, surrounded by fresh produce and pantry staples.

The Spartan Food Pantry is a walk-in, full-service, staffed, food assistance program offering non-perishable goods, fresh produce, and refrigerated items to eligible students.

Much of the food we provide is donated in partnership with Second Harvest of Silicon Valley. We also distribute nutritious frozen microwavable meals at the through our partnership with Hunger at Home.

View our donation guidelines for ways to support us.

 

Operating Hours:

TEMPORARILY CLOSED

Fall 2025 Operations start on August 18, 2025 

    • Monday - Friday, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

 

Location:

Diaz Compean Student Union (by the exterior entrance across from Engineering Rotunda)

 

Eligibility:

  • Currently enrolled in Fall 2025 courses
  • Currently experiencing hunger/food insecurity
  • Must have a personal annual income of $36,777.50* or less (no documentation required)
  • Fill out the User Intake & Agreement Form and get the approved result

 

How Spartan Food Pantry Works:

Step 1: Check In

    • Complete the Spartan Food Pantry Intake & Agreement Form. 
    • Create an account in PantrySoft via the link found in your confirmation email. This must be completed before your first visit.

    • Bring your Tower ID to the Pantry to check in.

Step 2: Shop

    • Grab a basket and shop for items within our zones. 
      • Fresh Produce Zone
      • Dry Goods Zone
      • Cold Zone 
      • Toiletries & More Zone
    • Quantity limits on items are based on availability and demand to ensure all students get an opportunity to select as much as possible 

Step 3: Check Out

  • Bring your basket to the counter to check out with the staff
  • Bag your items. We encourage bringing your own bags. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions 

How often can students come to the pantry?

Approved Pantry users are permitted to come to the pantry once per calendar week.

What do I need to bring when I shop at the Pantry?

Please bring reusable bags and your Student ID card. Students without a Tower ID might not be able to be served.

If you are a currently enrolled student who has permanently misplaced your ID card, contact the Bursar's Office for a replacement.

Is the Pantry open to non-citizen/resident students?Yes, the Pantry is open to non-citizen/resident students who are currently enrolled and have filled out the Spartan Food Pantry User Intake & Agreement Form
What do I need to know about USDA’s Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) Requirements? 

In June 2020 the Spartan Food Pantry became part of the USDA’s Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP).  

Staff or the Pantry User Registration form may ask and record information such as your name, address, household size, and other minimal information regarding your household. You providing this information to staff acknowledges your consent to share this information with Second Harvest of Silicon Valley. 

Second Harvest is using TEFAP so that we can continue to distribute food to eligible students.

Please see our poster at the pantry for more information on non-discrimination statements.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

What should I know about expiration dates?

There are multiple types of dates (best by, use by, produced on, etc.) associated with food products in the U.S. If you have questions, please ask a staff member or review information available from Second Harvest of Silicon Valley or the USDA.

Most food are safe to eat much longer than the product dates. See handouts in the pantry for recommendations. 

Does the Pantry accept donations?

Yes, we are always thankful for any help shared with us. Please check out our donation guidelines for more information.

How can I volunteer at the Pantry?

There are no volunteer shifts available at the Pantry until further notice. 

Alternatively, listed in this document are other places you can volunteer to help fight food insecurity in our community.

How did the pantry get started?More information on the history of the Student Hunger Committee, early food shelf efforts, monthly distributions and more can be found on the "Data & Reports" page of the SJSU Cares website.  Our public proposal to university administrators is also a great synopsis.  
Do I still need to sign up again even if I have used the Spartan Food Pantry in previous semesters?Pantry users who have accessed assistance from the Pantry as recently as Summer 2025 do not need to retake the Pantry User Intake Form. Please ensure that you have your student ID with the white Pantry sticker.  
I'm a continuing student and I am in need of food assistance, but have never used the Pantry before. May I still sign up to use the Pantry?Yes! If you are a continuing student but new to the Pantry, you are welcome to fill out the User Intake Form.
May I still shop at the Pantry even after I graduate?No, only current students are eligible to shop at the Spartan Food Pantry. We recommend checking out 211.org to explore other helpful community resources
What other community resources can I go to for food assistance when the Spartan Food Pantry is closed?

During our times of closure, please be guided by the following community resources for food assistance.

 

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gold certified program via Leah's pantry

 

*Income limits are set by US Government at 235% of the Federal Poverty Line.