Cupboard clear-out? The Guild's Community Pantry would love your donations

As we head towards the end of the academic year, some students might be finding it harder to make their Student Loan stretch. That’s why the Guild of Students is continuing its campus‑wide food and essentials drive through the Community Pantry, offering food and toiletry parcels to anyone who needs support.

Over the next couple of months, you might be staying on campus, revising, or starting to think about packing up for summer. If you’re clearing out cupboards and have unopened long-life items – or feel able to pick up an extra item while shopping – the Pantry would really appreciate your donations.

What can you donate

The Community Pantry is looking for non‑perishable food items and toiletries, especially things that are easy to store and share. Examples include:

• Long‑life items (such as pasta, rice, noodles, oats)
• Jars and tins (think soups and sauces like pasta or curry)
• Essential toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc.)

If you’re clearing out cupboards, these kinds of items are perfect to donate rather than throw away.

They’re also accepting bags for life to help pack and distribute parcels, so if you have a spare one or two, they’re very welcome.

Where to donate

You’ll find donation baskets at several locations across campus, including:

• The Guild
• Sports & Fitness Centre
• Medical School
• University Centre
• Bramall
• Shackleton Reception (The Vale)

You can find all these buildings on the Campus Map.

If you need support

The Community Pantry is here for anyone who needs it. If you’d like to request a parcel or learn more about how it works, visit The Guild’s Cost of Living page. You’ll find information on how to request help and other support options available to you.

You can also find University cost of living support here and if finances are worrying you, there’s always someone to talk to at UoB.

A small donation can make a big difference

There’s absolutely no pressure to buy anything extra, but if you’re in a position to donate, clearing out items you won’t use, or even passing on a spare shopping bag, it’s a simple way to support fellow students.

Thank you to everyone who’s able to contribute.