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Basic Needs Center

  1. Whitworth University
  2. Administration
  3. Basic Needs Center

Contact Information

Email
basicneeds@whitworth.edu

Location
Hixson Union Building, Room 256

Whitworth University Basic Needs Center

Food & Personal Care Pantry

Mission Statement 

The Basic Needs Network provides nutritious food and personal care items for wellness of body, mind and heart. The network supports students by providing access to fundamental resources, empowering their optimal well-being and academic success.  

Vision Statement 

End basic needs insecurity for students on the Whitworth University campus, enabling access to educational persistence and lifelong well-being.

Core Values 

Personalized support: Honoring God through support that is equitable, respectful and adequate for the individual's daily basic needs. 

Compassionate support: Following Christ through support that is provided with humility, kindness and understanding of challenges.  

Transformative support: Serving humanity through support that is empowering, promotes thriving and changes lives for the better.

Basic Needs Center Hours

Fall semester hours: Monday, Tuesday, Friday; 1-4 p.m.

Located in the Hixson Union Building Room 256. Please complete the BNC food order form here and bring your own bag and Whitworth ID!

Email basicneeds@whitworth.edu or message @wubasicneeds on Instagram with questions or if you need accommodations.

Food Pantries

There are five food pantries at Whitworth – one in Dixon Hall, one in Westminster (first floor), one in Lindaman (first floor), one in the HUB commuter lounge (second floor) and one in the ISC (Intercultural Student Center).

Whitworth's Basic Needs and Food Pantries.

Each pantry is filled with non-perishable food items and hygiene products. Most pantries can be accessed during the open hours of the building where they are located (see the map below for specific details on locations within buildings). Each pantry is maintained by a department in the building and restocked as department staff are able.

Please email basicneeds@whitworth.edu or message @wubasicneeds on Instagram with questions or if you need accommodations.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I have to "qualify" to use the pantry?

    Any Whitworth student, staff or faculty member is welcome to utilize the pantry program. We only ask that you present your Whitworth ID. We do not ask for proof of income or proof of address. Swiping your Whitworth ID provides us with your email in case of any recalls.

  • What do I need to bring when I go to the pantry?

    Please bring your Whitworth ID and your own grocery bag. While we sometimes have extra bags for you to use, they are not guaranteed.

  • How much food can I take when I go to the pantry?

    Guests are encouraged to take the amount of food they will use while being mindful that the food and other items they take are not going to waste.

  • How many times can I utilize the pantry?

    Guests are encouraged to utilize the pantry up to six times per semester.

  • How can I help?

    You can drop off donations at the Basic Needs Center located in the Hixson Union Building (HUB) during open hours or at the HUB information desk. If neither of those spaces are open and you have perishable food, please drop off at the ASWU front desk located on the second floor of the HUB. If you are interested in volunteering to help address food insecurity, contact us at Please email basicneeds@whitworth.edu.

    Most needed donations:

    • Hearty soups (vegetable beef, chicken noodle, etc.)
    • Canned tuna and chicken
    • Snacks (granola/protein bars, trail mix, fruit snacks, popcorn)
    • Grains (white and brown rice, quinoa, wheat and gluten-free pasta)
    • Cooking oils (vegetable, olive)
    • Breakfast foods (oatmeal, cereal, coffee, tea, shelf-stable milk, etc.)
    • Spices (salt, pepper, lemon pepper, garlic salt, Italian seasoning, turmeric, cayenne, taco seasoning mix, garlic powder, etc.)
    • Condiments (ketchup, mustard, BBQ sauce, salad dressings, alfredo sauce, etc.)
    • Hygiene products (menstrual items, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss, bar soap, razors)

  • Am I eligible for Washington State Basic Food Benefits?

    Some students are eligible to apply for Washington State Basic Food Benefits. Students who are eligible must meet ONE of the following criteria:

    • Are working 20 hours a week or more
    • Are Work Study eligible
    • Are under 18 or over 50
    • Have a dependent child or adult

    Learn more about the DSHS Food Benefit Criteria.

Contact Information

Email
basicneeds@whitworth.edu

Location
Hixson Union Building, Room 256