Pantry Donation Guide

Supporting the Spartan Food Pantry is about more than just providing a meal—it’s about providing students with the nutrition they need to focus, learn, and thrive. We prioritize donations that are healthy, easy to prepare, and of high quality.

From individual shelf-stable meals to essential hygiene products, every item you donate goes directly into the hands of a student in need.

 

Key Principles

To maintain our high standards for nutritional support and food safety, please ensure your donations align with the guidelines below:

Good to Eat 

Give what you’d use: We prioritize high-quality items that you would feel comfortable serving at your own table.

Sealed 

Original manufacturer sealed packaging must be in place.

Not Expired

While many items remain shelf-stable past the 'best by' date, we cannot accept items that are significantly past their label dates to ensure the highest quality for our students.

Easy to Eat

Items in greatest need include individual portions, pop-top lids, and microwave-friendly meals—perfect for students living on the go or lacking kitchen access.

Healthy 

Preferably organic, BPA-free, whole-grain/multi-grain, low-sodium foods.

 

 

Suggested Donation Items
Categories Suggestions
Protein & Hearty Bases
  • Canned Meats 
    • Tuna, Salmon, Chicken, Chili
  • Beans & Legumes
    • Pinto, black, chickpeas, kidney beans, lentils
  • Nuts & Seeds
    • Peanuts, almonds, walnuts, nut butters
  • Grains
    • Rice, pasta, whole grain crackers,
    • Shelf-stable tortillas
Quick Bites & On-The-Go
  • Instant Meals
    • Mac & cheese, instant mashed potatoes
    • Microwavable meal kits
  • Snacks
    • Granola bars, breakfast bars, trail mix packs
  • Beverages
    • Shelf-stable milk, alternative milk (almond, soy)
    • Ensure, boost shakes
Fruits, Veggies & Sides
  • Canned Produce 
    • Fruit cocktail, peaches, corn, tomatoes
  • Flavor Starters
    • Pasta sauce, salsa, tomato paste, spice blends
  • Soups
    • Low-sodium vegetable, chicken noodles
Breakfast Essentials
  • Cereal & Grains
    • Cereals, oatmeal
Essential Hygiene & Household
  • Personal Care
    • Shampoo, soap, deodorant, period pads
    • Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash
  • Home Care
    • Laundry pods, dish soap, sponges, bathroom cleaner

 

Drop-Off Information

  • Drop off donations at the Spartan Food Pantry (Student Union- Exterior entrance across from Engineering Bldg) during business hours. 
  • If you need help transporting the donations from your vehicle to the Pantry, give us a call at 408-924-1234 or send us an email at spartanfoodpantry@sjsu.edu. We’d be more than happy to assist!

 

Other Ways To Donate

Organize a Donation Drive

If you would like to bring your organization or community together to make a collective impact, please follow the donation guidelines provided above.

Reach out to us so we may give tips, authorize the use of our name/images, and coordinate for your preferred drop-off schedule. 

Shop Online and Ship Directly to the Pantry

Shop from our Amazon wishlist to ship items directly to the Pantry! Any donation creates an impact, and you are welcome to choose similar alternatives to the items listed.

Our shipping address is: 129 South 10th St., San Jose, CA 95112

Financial Contributions

Financial gifts give us the flexibility to serve students where the need is greatest—whether that’s purchasing in bulk, sourcing specialized items, or providing immediate emergency support

  • For online financial donations, click here. 
  • For monetary checks,
    • Please make them payable to "Spartan Food Pantry"
    • Mail to Spartan Food Pantry, San José State University, 1 Washington Square, San Jose, CA 95192-0034.

 

Questions?

Contact: spartanfoodpantry@sjsu.edu or 408-924-1234

Thank you for thinking of us!