Pantry Donation Guide
Supporting the Spartan Food Pantry provides students with the nutrition they need to focus, learn, and thrive. Whether through financial gifts, our Amazon Wishlist, or in-kind item drop-offs, your generosity helps fuel our campus community.
1. Financial Gift
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 the button below.
- For monetary checks, make them payable to "Spartan Food Pantry"
- Mail to Spartan Food Pantry, San José State University, 1 Washington Square, San Jose, CA 95192-0034.
2. Amazon Wishlist
Shop from our Amazon wishlist to ship items directly to the Pantry! Any donation creates a helpful 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
Shop from Pantry's Amazon Wishlist
3. In-Kind Donation
Giving directly to the Spartan Food Pantry ensures students have immediate access to wholesome meals and everyday hygiene essentials. By donating clean, unexpired, and easy-to-prepare items, you are directly removing barriers to student success.
Quality & Safety Standards
To maintain our high standards for nutritional support and food safety, please ensure your donations align with the guidelines below:
Key Donation Principles
- 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
Below is a list of shelf-stable items that are high in demand at the Spartan Food Pantry.
| Categories | Suggestions |
|---|---|
Protein & Hearty Bases |
|
Quick Bites & On-The-Go |
|
Fruits, Veggies & Sides |
|
Breakfast Essentials |
|
Essential Hygiene & Household |
|
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! We would love to provide:
- tips, donation guide materials
- authorization to use SJSU Cares name and images
- coordinattion for your preferred drop-off schedule
Questions?
Contact: spartanfoodpantry@sjsu.edu or 408-924-1234
Thank you for thinking of us!
