There are a number of on and off-campus programs designed to support student food security, which include:

• Partnership with the Amherst Survival Center
  • Students can access the ASC Food Pantry, local food delivery options, as well as weekly available meals
• UMass Amherst Dining Services Food Security Initiatives
  • Meal Plan Assistance Program – partnership between Dining Services and the Dean of Students Office. Click on the link for more information regarding eligibility, and the application form. 
  • Supplemental Meal Swipe Program – available through Dining Services 
• Assistance signing up for SNAP, WIC, and other public benefits
  • Off Campus Student Life offers SNAP Drop-In Hours as well if you would like to meet with someone to discuss your eligibility.

Amherst Survival Center Partnership

The Amherst Survival Center (ASC), located a mile from campus and accessible via bus route, offers a variety of programs, such as a food pantry, curbside pick-up, free daily hot lunch/produce, and more.

Before visiting the ASC food pantry or receiving delivery, students must complete the online registration form. This form only needs to be completed one time.

The food pantry is open for in-person shopping, as well as express pick-up, on M/T/F from 12-3pm, on Thursdays from 12-7pm, and on the third Saturday of each month from 9am-12pm.

The food pantry is open for curbside pickup on M/T/F from 3-4pm, on Thursdays from 5-7:30pm, and on the third Saturday of each month from 9am-12pm. Students must sign up in advance here for curbside pickup.

NOTE: On Saturdays, hot lunch and fresh food distribution are not available - only the pantry is open. Please email basicneeds-sa@umass.edu if you have questions. 

Additionally, ASC offers delivery of fresh/canned/frozen food items to a variety of area locations, including on-campus. If you are interested in receiving a delivery order, please complete the online registration form and select a delivery location near you. If you live on-campus, you should select “UMass Student Dorms – Without Kitchen” if you do not have access to a kitchen and “UMass Student Dorms – With Kitchen” if you do have access to a kitchen.

After completing the online registration form, you will need to email pantry@amherstsurvival.org to finalize the details of your on-campus food delivery (type of food, amount of food, and day/time of delivery – see schedule below).

If you have any questions about the Amherst Survival Center partnership, please contact the Dean of Students Office at basicneeds-sa@umass.edu.