About
The Trojan Food Pantry offers fresh food, non-perishable items, toiletries, and academic supplies for currently enrolled USC students. The Trojan Food Pantry addresses food insecurity on campus and provides much needed temporary relief to those experiencing food emergencies. The day-to-day operations are led by the Student Basic Needs staff and student volunteers under the consultation and guidance of the St. Francis Center.
History
For many years, with funding from Dr. Leo Braudy, S. Bing Chair in English and American Literature, his wife Dorothy Braudy and from private donors, individual departments have provided supportive services to groups of students. Examples of support included gift card distributions, mini pantries throughout campus and a more consolidated effort in the spring of 2018 facilitated by USC Dana and David Dornsife College Office for Diversity and Strategic Initiatives, both Student Governments, USC Hospitality and USC Student Affairs.
Eligibility
Any currently enrolled USC student who:
- Does not have a dining meal plan
- Is experiencing a food emergency/ food insecurity
Students may visit the Trojan Food Pantry once per week
We will work with students on a case by case basis if they need to visit more than once a week, etc.
What do I need to do to use the Trojan Food Pantry?
- Show volunteer staff proof of intake form completion at check-in desk.
- Give valid, student ID card to volunteer staff to swipe and verify: currently enrolled student status and not on a university meal plan.
- Select items from the Trojan Food Pantry – the number of items varies based upon inventory that day.
Location & Hours
THE TROJAN FOOD PANTRY IS TEMPORARILY CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE DUE TO COVID19.
Regular Hours for 2019 – 2020
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays: 3:00pm – 6:00 p.m
Fridays: 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Address
Parkside Apts. (PKS) #135 3730
S. McClintock Ave.
Trojan Food Pantry FAQ’s
How often can I visit the Trojan Food Pantry and how much food can I take each visit?
Any currently enrolled USC student who is experiencing a food emergency/food insecurity may visit the Trojan Food Pantry once per week. We also provide exceptions for additional visits if needed. Quantity limits are designated by posted signage inside the pantry and may vary day-to-day based on product availability and demand.
Where does the food at the Trojan Food Pantry come from?
The Trojan Food Pantry operates in partnership with the St. Francis Center, a local family and homeless services provider that rescues food from businesses in the surrounding community. Current partners include Trader Joe’s, Costco, Target, and other local markets. Rescued food is sorted for quality by volunteers and stocked daily. Additional food product is purchased using donated funds from individuals and organizations as well as rescued/donated food from within the USC community.
Does partnering with the St. Francis Center take away food resources from the local community?
USC is part of the local community and we realize that some members of our student community benefit tremendously from the resources of the Trojan Food Pantry.
Last year, St. Francis Center rescued 1.3 million pounds of food which allowed them to provide 130,000 homeless meals (more than double what was served five years ago) and over 18,000 grocery visits to families struggling with food insecurity within the local community – that’s more than ever in its 45-year history. Now with food donations from USC, the USC Village (Trader Joe’s) and several other new food partners, St. Francis is on track to rescue almost 1.5 million pounds of food a year! Through food recovery efforts and partnerships, the community and our students all benefit.
How else can I get involved with food rescue efforts?
Food rescue is the act of saving wholesome food that would otherwise go to waste from places like grocery stores, restaurants, markets, and dining facilities and getting it to those in need. It’s a great way to cut down on food waste and help others at the same time. Learn more.