Pantry Donation Guide

Please use the guidelines below for your donations:

 

Key Principles

  • Good - Only donate quality items you would use yourself
  • Sealed - Original manufacturer sealed packaging must be in place
  • Not Expired - Be aware of food dates; while most foods are safe to eat beyond the manufacturer's label dates, items with dates well beyond will not be placed in our inventory
  • Easy - Items that are in greatest need are individual serving sizes, easily opened (pull-back/pop-top lids), or microwavable (not all students have access to a full kitchen)
  • Healthy - Preferably organic, BPA Free, whole-grain/multi-grain, low-sodium foods

Note about fresh produce

If you have larger amounts of washed fruits or vegetables from gardening, gleaning, or purchases, please contact us before bringing as we might not always be able to accommodate them.

Suggested Donation Items

  • Canned meat/proteins (tuna, salmon, chicken)
  • Canned beans/peas (pinto, black, chickpeas, kidney, green peas, lentils, etc.)
  • Nuts (peanuts, almonds, walnuts)
  • Nut butters (peanut butter, almond butter)
  • Dried fruits
  • Canned fruits (fruit cocktail, applesauce, peaches, etc.)
  • Canned vegetables (green beans, corn, tomatoes, salsa)
  • Grains (rice, pasta, oatmeal, whole grain crackers, shelf-stable tortillas)
  • Easy to make flavorful meals (eg. Rice Pilaf, Hamburger Helper, Stuffing)
  • Macaroni and cheese
  • Box instant potatoes
  • Granola bars/breakfast bars
  • Trail mix snack packs
  • General-use seasonings or spice blends 
  • Pasta sauces
  • Canned chili
  • Cereal 
  • Soups (healthier the better, eg. low-sodium vegetable, chicken noodle/minestrone over ramen or cup of noodles)
  • Ensure/Boost Nutritional Shake
  • Shelf-stable milk alternatives (almond milk, soy milk, etc).
  • Hygiene products (shampoo, deodorant, bar soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, period pads, razors, etc.)
  • Cleaning Supplies (bathroom cleaner, sponges, dish and laundry detergents)

Other Ways To Donate

  • Organize a Donation Drive 
    • If you are interested in organizing a drive, please refer to 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. Please contact spartanfoodpantry@sjsu.edu
  • Shop Online and Ship Directly to the Pantry
    • Support the Pantry by shopping our Amazon wishlist! Any donation, large or small, is incredibly helpful and does not need to be an exact match for the items listed.
    • Our shipping address is: 129 South 10th St., San Jose, CA 95112
  • Financial Contributions
    • Direct contributions allow us to use funding in the ways that would best serve our students, such as buying in bulk, finding niche items not donated, and providing 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.

 

Notes:

  1. Drop off donations at the Spartan Food Pantry (Student Union- Exterior entrance across from Engineering Bldg) during business hours. Hours may vary.
  2. 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 spartanfoodpantry@sjsu.edu. We’d be more than happy to assist!

 

Questions?

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

Thank you for thinking of us!