Archie's Pantry builds on a long tradition of campus support. Since 1992, USI's Recreation, Fitness & Wellness Center operated Archie's Food Closet, providing non-perishable foods and personal hygiene items to students and employees facing hardship.
A new partnership between the Dean of Students Office and Kinney College's Food and Nutrition Department has transformed that resource into Archie's Pantry—a reimagined, centrally located space with expanded food options, nutrition education, and a unique academic partnership.
Unlike most campus food pantries, Archie's Pantry is managed by students and faculty in an academic program. Food and Nutrition students handle stocking, inventory management, food safety, and nutrition education—gaining year-round, hands-on professional experience while serving the campus community.
Through their work at the pantry, students develop a deeper understanding of food insecurity, health inequities, and social determinants of health, alongside practical skills in managing an advanced inventory system.
University Center East UC 1265 (Near the Dean of Student's Office)
During normal hours of the University Center – 7 a.m. through Midnight
The pantry operates on an honor system: take only what is necessary, and leave what you can. Clients may visit once per week and select up to 15 items per visit, with additional limits in specific zones.
Card-swipe entrance from University Center East (7 a.m. through Midnight, seven days a week), or a private internal door through the Dean of Students Office for confidential access (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday).
Free and confidential for all USI students and employees. No questions asked.
Clients can choose from a wide range of items beyond traditional pantry staples, including fresh produce, meat, and dairy. Recipes and healthy meal planning resources are also available to take home.
The pantry is organized into color-coded zones for easy navigation:
Dried goods, cereals, and starches
Drinks and toiletries
Spices, kitchen gadgets, and shelf-stable proteins
Global flavors
Fresh and canned fruits and vegetables
Frozen meats, single-serve meals, refrigerated dairy, produce, and eggs
Pre-filled bags for quick visits
Recipes, nutrition education, and information about SNAP and WIC assistance programs
