Food Insecurity & FoodShare Programs

Approximately 30 percent of college students lack reliable access to  sufficient quantities of affordable, nutritious food.

 

Basic Needs Hub Staff

The FoodShare program provides weekly bags of food to address the needs of students, faculty, and staff experiencing food insecurity.

Those accessing the pantry must show their OneCard before entering and complete a sign-out form before leaving. Students, faculty, and staff may receive up to 10 items per week when TU is in session.

Bring your reusable bag or receive a plastic grocery bag for your items.

On this Page


Visit the FoodShare Pantry

Main Campus

Location: The CLA Annex, 242 University Ave.
Hours: Mon. - Thurs. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. (Friday by appointment only)

This is the white trailer that is located directly next to the Towsontowne garage and the Residence Tower. 

The FoodShare will not have open hours over university breaks and holidays. If you need assistance during these times, please place an order for remote pick-up.

TUNE Campus

View information about the FoodShare program at TUNE.

Remote Pick-up Option

Students, faculty, and staff who prefer not to visit the pantry can request a remote pick-up for as many as 10 items per week. Items will be available for pick-up at the green FoodShare donation bin on the second floor of the University Union.

An email will be sent when items are ready for pick-up. Email with any questions or concerns.

Additional Food Support

Students may also be eligible for additional food support like meal swipes at on-campus dining facilities through the student emergency fund.

FoodShare Little Free Pantries

The FoodShare Program manages the three little free pantries that are situated across campus. The pantries can be found outside of the Academic Commons, the Towson Center, and the West Village Commons.

  • Usage Guidelines:
    • Take what you need.
      •  Please feel free to visit the pantry at your convenience and take whatever you need.
    • Keep the pantry organized.
      • Please ensure that items are neatly organized and facing forward after utilizing the pantry.
  • Donation Guidelines: 
    • Suggested donation items include: pasta, rice, peanut butter, jelly, canned chicken, canned tuna, soups, oatmeal, canned ravioli, canned chili, shampoo, conditioner, bar soap, and toothpaste.
    • Quality matters.
      • Please only donate non-damaged, non-expired food and hygiene items.
      • No glass containers.

Off-Campus Food Pantry Locations

Download the Maryland county-by-county food pantry resource guide (PDF) for additional food assistance locations in your area.

Use the map to find local food assistance options between Towson University’s main campus and the Northeast (TUNE) campus.

TU’s FoodShare program is supported through the generous donations of the Towson University Community.

How to Help

Donations

  • The FoodShare accepts food, personal care items, or home cleaning items during our open hours.
  • Make a monetary donation on the  or by purchasing items from our . 

For larger donations, please schedule a visit by emailing .

Host a Food Drive

Fill out a  if you’d like to host a donation drive to benefit the Hub. All organizations who host a drive will receive a thank you certificate that includes the weight in pounds of all items donated.  

Your request may be accepted, denied, or altered based on the needs of the Hub.

We recommend filling out the form in advance to ensure the days your organization would like to host a drive are available. Thank you for your support

Frequently Needed Items

Food Items Hygiene Items
Ramen noodles Toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss
Mac and cheese Sanitary pads, tampons
Ravioli New socks, new underwear
Microwavable meals Laundry detergent
Canned tuna, canned chicken Shampoo, conditioner
Shelf stable milk Razors (men’s and women’s)
Nut butter Deodorant (men’s and women’s)
Pasta, pasta sauce Toilet paper
Canned fruit Body lotion
Snacks Bar soap, body wash

Volunteer Opportunities

The FoodShare offers many opportunities for group and individual volunteering.

For more information, please email or follow us on Instagram .

Stay Informed

Interested in learning more about our program? Contact us!

Becoming a Hunger-Free Campus

TU students, staff, and faculty discuss efforts to address hunger on campus.