The CU Pantry
One of Clarkson's nine values is caring. The CU Pantry is a perfect example of seeing a vital need in our community, and taking caring action to improve the lives of our student community members.
The CU Pantry is a safe and confidential space for students to access complimentary food and other necessities located in Student Center 044 and open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. We are closed during summer break. Please note that our operating hours may vary depending on student staff availability. We appreciate your patience as we work to bring more student staff onto our team.
The CU Pantry is managed by the Office of the Dean of Students and depends on donations to remain stocked for our in-need community members. The Clarkson community is trusted to use this space via an honor system, people are expected to respect the space and others who utilize it.
Please Note: The CU Pantry is not a grocery store. We exist to serve those who are encountering financial hardship, emergency food shortages or other pressing personal issues that prevent the purchase of, or access to, sufficient amounts of food. We ask that our service be used selectively and only when needed.
The CU Pantry Best Practices
To ensure we have enough for all those in need, we ask that our students follow these Pantry Best Practices:
One of each item
10 items in total
Limit of 1 visit per week
For Clarkson students only
Graduate Student"The CU Pantry has saved my life so many times. It has been essential to have good nutrition on a low budget. I'm grateful that this kind of resources exist.
Donations
Donations can be delivered to the Office of the Dean of Students in Price Hall 1003G or mailed directly to:
Office of the Dean of Students
CU Box 5570
8 Clarkson Avenue
Potsdam NY 13699
If you would like to donate to the Pantry, visit the CU Pantry Amazon Wish List or we accept the following store-bought items:
- Canned Goods and Boxed Meals
- Frozen Meats and Vegetables
- Toiletries and Self-Care Products
- Reusable/Paper Bags
- Academic Supplies
Monetary Donations:
- Make an online monetary donation via the Online Giving Form, be sure to select Student Emergency Relief Fund as the Fund / Designation Selection
- Make an in-person donation to the Office of the Dean of Students, email deanofstudent@clarkson.edu to coordinate
The History of the CU Pantry
As part of the Honors Program Sophomore project, in the academic year of 2021, the Honors Class of 2023 developed the idea for a food pantry to create solutions to the food insecurities faced by their fellow Clarkson students.
With the additional support from Sodexo, the Office of Residence Life, and the Institute for a Sustainable Environment, the Food Pantry found its home in the Quad during the summer of 2021. In the fall of 2022, the name transitioned from the Food Pantry to the CU Pantry to properly reflect the variety of goods and supplies offered. In the summer of 2023, the CU Pantry was relocated to Price Hall 1003C and is now managed by the Office of the Dean of Students.
In August of 2024, the CU Pantry became an official Partner Agency of the Food Bank of Central New York which opened the doors for the pantry to purchase a larger variety of perishable and non-perishable goods. Looking forward, the CU Pantry has secured and distributed approximately 13,000 pounds of food to Clarkson students in need. The CU Pantry and now looking to provide students with resources on how to best utilize the food items they receive from the pantry through an upcoming workshop series for the spring 2025 semester and beyond.
As of January 2025, the CU Pantry has made an exciting move to a new location in Student Center 044, across from the mailroom. This relocation represents a significant milestone in the pantry’s growth and its mission to combat food insecurity on campus. The new space is larger and more centrally located, making it more accessible to students. We are working hard to create a warm and welcoming environment where students can feel comfortable seeking support. In this new space, we hope to further foster a sense of community while continuing to provide essential resources to Clarkson students in need.
Other pantries in the Potsdam area:
Potsdam Neighborhood Center – (315) 265-3920
St. Mary’s Church Food Pantry – (315) 265-9680
Potsdam High School P2 Food Market – (315) 265-2000 ext. 36771
Hannawa Falls Helping Hands & Furniture Barn – (315) 268-0633
Emergency Relief Support
If you are a student in need, assistance may be available. Clarkson’s Emergency Relief Fund exists to assist students in financial need. Financial support related to, but not limited to the following expenses may be provided.
- Food Insecurity
- Basic Needs
- Unexpected Financial Burden
Apply for funding via the Student Emergency Fund Request Form. Requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Feedback & Contact Us
The CU Pantry is always looking for ways to improve our systems to better serve the Clarkson community. Visit the CU Pantry Feedback form to provide feedback on how we can improve our systems and practices. This form also gives you the option to share anonymous testimonials, helping us spread the word about the CU Pantry and raise awareness beyond the Clarkson community.
Questions or concerns regarding the CU Pantry should be addressed to deanofstudents@clarkson.edu or via phone at (315) 268-6620.