Goods for the Herd Food Pantry

NDSU Goods for the Herd Pantry is a NDSU community led project developed to provide supplemental food assistance and basic necessities to those in need. The pantry is only able to serve those currently affiliated with North Dakota State University. You must present an active NDSU ID each time entering the pantry.

The pantry runs on donations of food, supplies, dollars, and volunteers. Pantry contents are distributed free of charge to those experiencing food insecurity. There is a limited number of resources and times available for entry; therefore adjustments to content and schedules may be made due to unforeseen demand, holidays, weather, and academic breaks. All pantry users must apply annually (September-August) for entry by completing the Goods for the Herd Intake and User Agreement. NDSU Goods for the Herd partners with Great Plains Food Bank and shares the mission of ending hunger.

If your have questions or concerns related to the pantry, please email Goods for the Herd.

Eligibility

  • Annual completion of Intake and User Agreement. (see menu on left side of this page)
  • Meet ND income eligibility guidelines. (income eligibilty)
  • Self-identified need: experiencing hunger/food insecurity.
  • Current and active NDSU ID presented at each entry to the pantry. This means you are either a registered student or currently employed at NDSU. 
  • Individual may not previously used the pantry in the current month. (Limit 1 visit with 1 basket per month). This is subject to change based on availability of goods.

Individuals who DO NOT follow pantry guidlines or who misuse the resource will be contacted. The manner in which you receive food may change.

Appointments Required: 

Individuals that complete the annual Intake and User Agreement will receive a monthly email with the sign-up times available. Individuals may only sign up one time per month. Pantry times do periodically fill up; therefore time slots are on a first come first serve basis. It is imperative that you keep your scheduled time. If you are unable to keep your schedule time please go back into the signup and remove yourself to allow for another individual to sign up.

Those requiring accommodations for your scheduled visit, please contact Goods for the Herd prior to your appointment time. The pantry is currently not easily accessed by wheelchairs. 

What to Expect When You Come to the Pantry for Your Appointment:

Individuals not arriving within their designated time frame may be asked to schedule at a different time. This is to respect the other individuals scheduled at that time.

  • Step 1: Check In
    • Go to lower level of the NDSU Bookstore with your own bag.
    • Show your NDSU ID card verifying enrollment or employment.
    • A volunteer will ask you your household size (# children, adults, and senior citizens).*
    • You will be provided a temporary basket to shop in the pantry.
  • Step 2: Shop
    • You will be invited into the pantry by a volunteer. Volunteers will maintain the confidential nature of your visit. 
    • The volunteer will make you aware of any limits on items; signage is also provided in the pantry (most items have a limit, especially fresh and freezer/refrigerator items). 
  • Step 3: Check Out
    • The volunteer will ask you to place your basket on the scale and weigh the contents.*
    • Transfer your items from the basket provided to your personal bag.

*Goods for the Herd is a partner with Great Plains Food Bank and must comply with their reporting expectations.

Those experiencing greater need may find other resources on the Dean of Students website under Basic Needs Guide. If you or another student need assistance related to meeting Basic Needs, please consider completing an NDSU CARE TEAM referral.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – You may be eligible for SNAP (formally known as food stamps). SNAP provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of needy families so they can purchase healthy food and move towards self-sufficiency. Contact the SNAP Outreach Coordinator for more information: snap@greatplainsfoodbank.org.

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis or race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

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