Student Pantry and Resources

Food available (subject to change based on donations):
Canned  meat (tuna, corned beef, Spam, etc.), peanut butter, beans, lentils, dry spaghetti, rice, crackers, macaroni and cheese, instant noodles, canned pasta sauce, ravioli, soup, vegetables, fruit, applesauce, oatmeal, cereal, microwavable meals, health bars, nuts.

Self care items available (subject to change based on donations):
Toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, shampoo, conditioner, dry shampoo, soap, deodorant, toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, cotton swabs, lotion, laundry detergent, skin care items.

Monday - Friday

8:30am - 4:30pm

Aloha Tower Marketplace, Ste. 1314

Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and University Holidays. 

The program provides HPU students with basic food and self-care essentials. If you would like to make a donation, it will be tremendously appreciated by students who are in genuine need. Having this available to students allows them to focus on being successful rather than worrying when they will eat next. Since we want to be sure they are provided with proper nutrition, below is a list of requested items:

Food: Peanut butter, Canned meat/protein (tuna, chicken, etc.), health bars, oatmeal, cereal, fruit spread/jam, spices, lentils/beans, rice, pasta, pasta sauce, quinoa, crackers, macaroni and cheese, apple sauce, canned fruit (peaches, mandarins, pineapple, etc.), canned vegetables (green beans, corn, peas, artichokes, etc.), non-refrigerated milk substitute such as soy or almond milk, microwavable items such as rice and ready-made meals, canned chili and soups, single serving Chef-Boy-R-Dee items (with pull tab openings), instant noodles, and packaged nuts.

Personal Care: Soap, body wash, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toilet paper, lotion, razors, shaving cream, sun block, detergent dryer sheets, and feminine hygiene items.

Items most needed are: The pantry is low, so all items above are a huge help. Items that tend to leave the shelves quickest are peanut butter, rice, fruit and vegetable items, health bars, toilet paper, feminine hygiene items, and microwavable rice and meals.

note: Please bring unused, unopened items to donate to the Food Pantry. Based on our survey, students request healthy options, so donating as much healthy food as possible is very appreciated. Many students do not have access to a stove, so we want to provide more food that does not require a lot of cooking.

You may bring your donations to ATM 1314. If you are located at HLC and would like to send a donation, you may use intercampus mail. Please have it sent to the Dean of Students Office, attention Deonne Yeager, in ATM 1314 (Aloha Tower Marketplace, Ste. 1314). If you need further assistance with donations being picked up at your location or have additional questions, contact Deonne Yeager at dyeager@hpu.edu.

monetary donations: If you prefer to donate money so HPU staff can purchase pantry items, please click here. 


Mahalo nui loa to all of the staff and faculty who have donated! Here is some feedback from students who come by the pantry:
• “I was so stressed about not having food this week since I don’t get paid from the VA until next week. I can’t believe to see all that’s offered here… the pantry is such a relief.”

• “At first I was ashamed to come in. But after my card declined when trying to buy lunch, I just came by anyway and am so glad I did.”

• “The last time I picked up some food I had a bit of fun getting creative with making meals. I made a healthy black bean and corn salad to enjoy while I studied.”

• "Thank you so much for doing this, it greatly helps students in a pinch." 

• "Thank you for all donations! I live with 3 other students and food is expensive. So we really only eat a full meal about twice a week. So this helps get some snacks and food on the go for us."

MAKE A DONATION: Attention Waterfront Lofts and Hawaii Loa Residents! 

You can assist fellow students by donating one weekly meal per semester. When you do this, Pier Nine by Sam Choy's food services provider, Aramark, will match each donated meal. 

What do you have to do? Before the end of the semester, go to Pier Nine by Sam Choy and donate a meal. They will log your name in a binder and swipe your HPU ID card. The staff at the Food Pantry will then be notified and we can distribute that hot meal to a student in need. 

If you have questions, contact staff at Housing and Residence Life at housing@hpu.edu or 808-544-0277.

HOT MEAL PROGRAM - MEAL TICKETS: When we receive donations, students may come to the Food Pantry to get a complimentary all you care to eat meal ticket that can be used at Pier Nine by Sam Choy.

EXTERNAL RESOURCE

SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP)
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES (STATE OF HAWAII)

If you are interested in applying for SNAP (food stamp), and meet the eligibility requirement, consider applying for this public assistance program. For more information, click here. For the application, click here. 

STUDENT ACTION FUND FOR EMERGENCY RELIEF (SAFER)
The Student Action Fund for Emergency Relief (SAFER) provides limited emergency financial assistance to currently enrolled students who are unable to meet immediate, essential expenses because of temporary hardship related to an unexpected situation. The fund is designated to offset a short-term financial need and is not intended to replace or supplement financial aid. Funds are awarded as a grant, and unlike a loan, do not need to be repaid. Funds may count as income and may be subject to federal and/or state taxes. The number of students who can be served by the fund is subject to available resources. The fund is sustained by contributions from alumni, parents, faculty, staff and friends of the University.

ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES (ALL OF THE FOLLOWING MUST APPLY)

-Applicant must be a currently enrolled student at HPU
-Applicant must have financial hardship resulting from an emergency, accident, or other critical incident
-Applicant must be able to provide sufficient documentation of financial hardship
-Other possible resources have been considered and are either unavailable or insufficient
-Priority will be given to students who have not applied for SAFER resources within the past year

APPLICATION
Students must submit a SAFER online application. A committee will review the application and determine the funding amount. If approved, students will be notified of the amount and the money will be distributed. Review of applications is an on-going process. Students receiving assistance from this fund must submit receipts within 10 days, unless there are extenuating circumstances which require an extension. Failure to do so could prohibit use of this fund in the future. 

TYPES OF EXPENSES THAT MAY BE COVERED
The following includes typical expenses that may be covered by the SAFER. This list is not exhaustive:

-Replacement of essential personal belongings due to fire, flood, theft, or natural disaster
-Emergency or temporary housing assistance
-Medications or costs related to emergency medical care (not covered by insurance)
-Assistance with rent or utilities due to an emergency situation
-Emergency transportation costs related to a family death or illness
(In extreme medical emergencies travel-related expenses for students family members will be considered)
-Safety-related needs (e.g., changing a lock)
-Other emergency situation that will impact a student's ability to fully participate in their academic career at HPU

TYPES OF EXPENSES THAT MAY NOT BE COVERED
The following includes examples of items that may NOT be covered by SAFER. This list is not exhaustive:

-Penalties, fines, tickets, legal fees, or jail bonds
-Lost IDs or meal cards
-Normal and anticipated academic expenses (e.g., tuition, fees, health insurance, books)
-Non-essential utilities, household or furniture costs not related to damage or theft
-Costs for entertainment, recreation, or non-emergency travel
-Replacement of non-essential personal items due to fire, flood, theft or natural disaster