Published: Jan. 20, 2023

A student employee working at the Buff PantryCU Boulder offers resources to help with food insecurity and other basic needs for our campus community. The Basic Needs Center and Buff Pantry can help students find equitable access to food, housing and other essential services.

Attend the Basic Needs Center open house on Feb. 2 to learn more about the services provided and how to receive or offer support. Donate up to two meals through the Swipe It Forward event on Jan. 31 - Feb. 2 at participating dining locations across campus.

What is the Basic Needs Center?

The Basic Needs Center is your campus care collective. It connects you to essential resources by collaborating with on-campus and community partners. The center offers education on how to navigate local and national resources. Plus, it provides support in emergency situations.

Housing resources

The Basic Needs Center offers education and referrals to emergency housing resources. 

Learn about housing resources in the community and on campus:

Food resources

The Basic Needs Center supports campus-based food programs and referrals to community food assistance.

Learn more about food assistance programs:

CU resources

The Basic Needs Center connects students with on-campus resources to assist with other types of support.

Learn more about resources offered by CU:

  • Health and wellness
  • Student support and financial aid
  • Transportation services
  • Career services

If you or someone you know is experiencing housing insecurity, request resources by filling out the online form or emailing basicneeds@colorado.edu and a team member will follow up with you.

What is the Buff Pantry?

The Buff Pantry is part of the Basic Needs Center. CU Boulder’s on-campus food pantry offers various food options each week based on availability, donations and the time of year. The pantry aims to provide a solution to address food insecurity through timely food assistance.

Clients are welcome to visit the Buff Pantry one time per week and will receive approximately 20 pounds of food per visit. The Buff Pantry provides fresh produce; shelf-stable, refrigerated and frozen food; and personal care items at no cost to students.

Spring 2023 hours

  • Mondays: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
  • Tuesdays: 2-6 p.m.
  • Wednesdays: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
  • Fridays: 2-6 p.m.

The intake process

  • Click the ‘Join’ button on the Buff Pantry’s CUServes page.
  • Complete the Buff Pantry client intake form.
  • Clients must complete the form once per academic year.

Buff Pantry appointments

  • After completing the intake form, sign up for an appointment under the ‘Events’ section.
  • Bring your Buff OneCard to the appointment.
  • A Buff Pantry volunteer will welcome you and explain the shopping process.
  • You can select items based on your preferences.

Ways to support the Basic Needs Center

The Basic Needs Center appreciates the support of the campus community. Your support goes directly towards funding and maintaining the center. It also ensures access for current and future CU Boulder students. Check out ways to support your fellow Buffs.

Volunteer

  • Buff Pantry: Help organize the pantry, give tours, greet clients and log visits.
  • Mobile food pantries: Help collect information, distribute food and manage the line.
  • Event Outreach: Distribute flyers and provide information at upcoming events.
  • Swipe It Forward: Help with tabling at dining hall locations to encourage students to donate meals.

Donate

Food drives

Contact the Basic Needs Center

We offer several ways to connect, schedule appointments or visit us. Choose the best option to match your needs and schedule.