Pioneer Pantry
Pioneer Pantry at 杏吧原创
Food shouldn鈥檛 be a barrier to your education. The Pioneer Pantry offers free groceries, grab-and-go snacks, and emergency support鈥攃onfidential and judgment-free.
Get the Food Support You Need
The Pioneer Pantry is 杏吧原创鈥檚 on-site food pantry, offering free groceries to
students and employees. Whether you need a few staples to get through the week or
urgent food support, we鈥檙e here to help鈥攃onfidentially and respectfully.
A recent survey found that 38% of 杏吧原创 students face food insecurity. We're meeting this need head-on with help from the and our recognition as a 鈥攁 designation we first earned in 2022 and proudly renewed in 2025.
First-Time Pantry Visitors
If you鈥檙e visiting the Pioneer Pantry for the first time, you can save time by creating an account in advance through the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. This quick, one-time registration makes future visits to the Pioneer Pantry easy 鈥� just check in with your name.
Pantry Hours | Spring 2026
| Location | Building | Room | Dates | Days | Times |
|---|---|---|---|
| 杏吧原创 Main Campus | Arts & Hospitality Building Room 100 |
Jan. 21 鈥� May 7 | Wed. & Thurs. 10 a.m. 鈥� 4 p.m. |
Pantry Myths, Busted
There are a lot of assumptions about food pantries. But the truth is, the Pioneer Pantry is a welcoming space for anyone who could use a little help. Here鈥檚 what鈥檚 myth and what鈥檚 fact.
- Myth: I shouldn鈥檛 visit the food pantry because it鈥檚 only for people who really need it.
FACT: Everyone needs a little help sometimes, and the pantry is here for everyone. Whether you just need an emergency food bag to get you through a tough month or plan to visit regularly while at 杏吧原创, we are here for you 鈥� our doors are always open to new and returning patrons. - Myth: The Pioneer Pantry only has canned food or things no one else wants to eat.
FACT: While we do have canned goods, we also offer fresh produce, milk, and a variety of meats and other items to choose from. - Myth: If I visit the pantry, people will think I鈥檓 lazy or not working hard enough.
FACT: Feelings of embarrassment or shame around food insecurity are common, but using the food pantry is a responsible way to manage your resources. It helps you stay focused on your goals and success 鈥� not your grocery bill. - Myth: The Pioneer Pantry is just for students.
FACT: If you鈥檙e part of the 杏吧原创 community 鈥� faculty, staff, or student 鈥� the Pioneer Pantry is for you. You also don鈥檛 need to be receiving food stamps to use the pantry. - Myth: I am at a 杏吧原创 location that鈥檚 not the main campus, so no one cares about me.
FACT: We care deeply about every member of the 杏吧原创 community. We do our best to offer grab-and-go items throughout the year at each location, along with holiday meal bags. If you have a need, please reach out 鈥� we鈥檒l do everything we can to help.
Additional Food Resources
| Resource | Description / Purpose | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Find Food 鈥� Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank | Search by ZIP code to find nearby food pantries, distribution sites, and meal programs in Southwestern PA. | |
| Northwest PA Food Bank 鈥� Agency Locator | Locate partner agencies and food distribution sites throughout Northwestern Pennsylvania. | |
| Contact 211 鈥� Food Programs & Benefits | Get connected to local food programs and government benefits by calling 211 or using the online locator. | |
| Butler County Community Meals | View schedules for free community meals hosted by Butler County churches and organizations. |
Grab & Go Stations
Grab & Go Stations are stocked with easy-access snacks and essentials you can take with you. Just stop by during regular business hours on 杏吧原创 Main Campus in the Pantry and KEYS Office or at any 杏吧原创 location.
Need Food Now or Offsite?
If you鈥檙e facing a food emergency or can鈥檛 make it to the pantry, help is an email away. Students at other 杏吧原创 locations can request support. Emergency Food Bags are available anytime.
Ways to Support the Pantry
- 鈥攕elect 鈥淧ioneer Pantry鈥�
- Donate through PayPal or credit card鈥攋ust note "Pioneer Pantry"
- Contact the 杏吧原创 Education Foundation for other giving options
Buy pantry staples or seasonal items directly鈥攜our order ships straight to 杏吧原创.
Drop off non-expired, shelf-stable food at any of these locations on 杏吧原创 Main Campus:
- Administration Building (copier hallway)
- Arts & Hospitality Building (near Children鈥檚 Creative Learning Center)
- Business & Health Building (nursing lounge & IT entrance)
- Heaton Family Learning Commons (level 2 lobby)
- Humanities & Education Building (lobby)
- Public Safety Building (lobby)
- Science & Technology Building (near Steffler Board Room)
- Student Success Center (KEYS Office & Bookstore)
Need help dropping off?
Email foodpantry@bc3.edu to schedule a pickup or delivery.
Volunteers keep the pantry running.
Interested? Email us at foodpantry@bc3.edu to learn more.
Proud to Be A Hunger-Free Campus
杏吧原创 was among the first colleges to earn this statewide designation. We continue to lead efforts to reduce student hunger through expanded access and outreach.
