Cougar Pantry

Food insecurity is a spectrum.

Food insecurity is a spectrum and your situation can change frequently.

We get it! That's why the Cougar Pantry is a judgment-free zone open to all College of Charleston students with no questions asked.

ENSURING THAT NO COUGAR GOES HUNGRY

The Cougar Pantry is a student led, donation-based organization that was created in 2018 to combat food insecurity while helping to unify the College of Charleston campus through collaboration and student involvement.

We hope that spreading knowledge about this issue and increasing student engagement will help to minimize any associated stigmas and encourage positive change on our campus.

SO MUCH MORE THAN FOOD

The Cougar Pantry is more than a canned good food pantry. We offer complete meals, to-go snacks, breakfast, sweet treats, college staples, personal hygiene products, and household supplies.

We don't just provide high-needs items for our patrons—we also engage in campus-wide outreach and education efforts by providing resources, sharing knowledge that raises awareness, and advocating for policies that support student well-being.

DONATIONS

The Cougar Pantry is a nonprofit and relies 100% on donations from our students, families, alumni, and community partners.
  • Physical Donations

    We accept almost all non-perishable donations. Physical donations can be dropped off at 26 Coming Street 9am-9pm M-F.

    When donating to the Cougar Pantry, consider donating the following items:

    • Pop-top cans are preferred, as they are easier to open and more convenient for on-the-go meals.
    • Small treats and individuals portions are ideal due to limited student storage.
    • Name-brand hygiene items are in high demand, helping students feel confident and cared for with products they trust.

    Food items that we are currently accepting:

    • Nut Butters & Jelly & Bread
    • Pasta (Whole Grain) & Pasta Sauces
    • Single-Serve Snacks, Breakfasts, & Meals
      • Granola/Protein Bars, Protein Shakes, Nuts
      • Pop-Tarts
      • Mac-n-Cheese Bowls
      • Ramen & Noodle Bowls
      • Protein Bowls, etc.
    • Canned Meats
    • Instant Meals
    • Rice
    • Mac-n-Cheese
    • Mashed Potatoes, etc.
    • Spices & Cooking Basics
    • Personal Hygiene Products
    • Shower Basics
    • Inclusive Hair Styling & Grooming Products
    • Dental Care
    • Cleaning Supplies

    Items We Cannot Accept:

    • Canned vegetables & soups (due to space and demand constraints)
    • Used or opened items
    • Expired food
    • Bulk items not individually packaged
    • Food items requiring refrigeration
  • Make a monetary donation

    The Cougar Pantry also accepts monetary donations, which help buy the items students need most. Your support makes a big difference in keeping the pantry stocked and ready to help students who could use a little extra help with food and essentials. To make a monetary donation:

    • Visit the College of Charleston Foundation Donation page. 
    • Select "Other" under the designation type.
    • Type "Cougar Pantry" under "How would you like to direct your donation." 
    • You can also search "Cougar Pantry" and give directly through the giving funds search form.
    Make a monetary donation
  • Amazon wishlist

    Skip the trip and have high-needs items shipped straight to our door through our Amazon wishlist.

    View Amazon Wishlist

The Pantry is a small organization that tackles the issue of hunger. My time there taught me that if communities focus on issues on a smaller scale more people can help service organizations grow.

Student Volunteer