Husker Pantry's top 10 most-wanted items

Friday, March 19, 2021 Husker Pantry's top 10 most-wanted items

Cereal boxes on shelf

March 22-31 is the annual Spring Food Drive to benefit the Husker Pantry - which aims to collect 2,021 items for distribution to Husker students.

More than 30% of students will face some form of food insecurity and hunger this year. The pantry relies on donations to keep the shelves stocked with food, toiletries, personal hygiene items and cleaning products to aid Husker students. 100% of donations benefit University of Nebraska–Lincoln students.

To help you decide what you can contribute to the food drive, we've compiled a list of the ten most-wanted items.


1. Granola bars and crackers

All flavors and types of crunchy and chewy granola bars, saltine crackers and flavored crackers like Triscuits and Wheat Thins. And don't forget the ever-popular single-serving "grab-and-go" snack packs of Goldfish crackers.


2. Bath and shower items

Toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoos, conditioners, body washes and bar soap of any variety are much-needed items.


3. Fresh vegetables and fruits

YES, the pantry accepts fresh produce items for distribution to students, especially items that don't require refrigeration, like tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, potatoes, onions, apples, oranges and avocados.

Special note: Donations of fresh fruit & veggies should be delivered directly to the Husker Pantry, located at the University Health Center's north entry doors. ​Call 402-472-8975 or email pantry@unl.edu in advance of dropping off these items.


4. School supplies

Even in the so-called digital generation, everyone needs some basic equipment and gear to achieve academic success. ​Binders, notebooks, pencils, folders and pens are always requested.


5. Canned vegetables and fruits

There's so many varieties to donate and every option will fill a need. Consider regular-sized and single-serving packs of tomatoes and tomato sauces; peas; corn; vegetable medley; mushrooms; green beans; pickles; pineapple; apple sauces; and peaches.


6. Canned meats

Tuna and chicken in either pouches and cans are popular items for students to create tasty meals.


7. Period products

The pantry is much more than a food supplier - it stocks all kinds of items and products that students need for day-to-day life. Tampons and pads are vital items every person should consider donating.


8. Beans and soups

Canned and dried varieties of green beans; black beans; pinto beans; cannellini beans; chickpeas/garbanzos; kidney beans; tomato soups; veggie soups; chicken and rice; chicken noodle; and even....chili!


9. Pastas, grains and ramen

Bags and boxes of dried Italian pasta, polenta, couscous, quinoa and rice are great basics to mix with other items for students to build a meal. What's even more popular? All types of mac and cheese (boxes and single-serve microwavable options) and a multitude of ramen flavors.


10. Oatmeal and breakfast cereals

These shelf-stable items are simple (and easy) meals for any time of the day, be it breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a quick snack. Big canisters of oatmeal give students a blank slate to create customized mixtures with fruits, nuts and berries. Single-serving flavored packets make for great on-the-go eating.



Two ways to donate items to the pantry:
  • Purchase online via the pantry’s Amazon Marketplace wishlist. Items are shipped and delivered directly to the pantry's location in the University Health Center.
  • Drop off locally-purchased items at one of 18 collection bins located on City and East Campuses. Find a location here.

For additional details about the food drive and its operations, email pantry@unl.edu.



Related:  Food, personal hygiene items sought for Husker Pantry's spring food drive

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