Donate financially

Your donation will go directly to the Basic Needs Discretionary Fund and help advance strategic initiatives, strengthen core offerings and provide for students facing food and housing insecurity at the University of Colorado Boulder.

Donate to the Basic Needs Center

Donate food

We will graciously accept food and personal care item donations from students, staff, faculty and community members to distribute to Buff Pantry clients. The Buff Pantry accepts shelf stable items that have at least a three-month window to expiration. For questions regarding donations, email basicneeds@colorado.edu.

Note: We are unable to provide any documentation for tax deductions when a food donation is made.

If you would like to provide a one-time donation to the Buff Pantry, please refer to the list of items below.

Food items

  • Dried lentils
  • Dried and canned beans
  • Canned vegetables
  • Canned fruit
  • Canned tomatoes
  • Cooking oils
  • Condiments
  • Canned meat
  • Peanut butter
  • Jelly
  • Pasta
  • Pasta sauce
  • Stocks, broths and sauces
  • Oatmeal
  • Cereal
  • Granola bars
  • Protein bars
  • Protein shakes
  • Crackers
  • Popcorn
  • Spices
  • Ramen noodles, pho noodles, etc.
  • Boxed milk, evaporated milk and unsweetened alternative milks
  • Food for diverse diets including gluten free, vegan, vegetarian, etc.

Personal care Items

  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Body wash
  • Bar soap
  • Lotion
  • Sunscreen
  • Hand soap
  • Dish soap
  • Toothbrushes
  • Toothpaste
  • Floss
  • Mouth wash
  • Menstrual products
  • Deodorant
  • Laundry detergent
  • Dryer sheets
  • Paper towels
  • Napkins
  • Toilet paper
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Facial tissues
  • Shaving cream
  • Razors
  • Nail clippers

Other items

  • Can opener
  • Food storage containers
  • Plates
  • Cups
  • Utensils

Donations can be dropped off at the Buff Pantry during regular hours of operation.

Amazon Wish list

Shop from our Amazon Wish list to have some of our most-needed items sent directly to the Buff Pantry. All items are non-perishable and will be distributed to CU Boulder students in need.

Shop our Wish list

Swipe It Forward: Donate a meal swipe to a fellow Buff in need

Help fight food insecurity on campus Sept. 24-26 by participating in Swipe It Forward! Anyone with a meal plan can donate one swipe per day. As you check-out, tell the cashier you would like to donate.

Accepting donations at the following locations:

  • C4C Dining Center
  • Village Center Dining
  • Alferd Packer Grill
  • The Alley
  • Sewall Dining Center
  • SEEC Cafe
  • CU on the Run
  • Libby on the Run

Don’t have a meal plan but still want to help? Donate to the Basic Needs Center or register to volunteer.

If you have questions about this program, email basicneeds@colorado.edu.