On Campus Resources

Supplemental Meal Swipe Program - Intended for students with meal plans. This loads 3 days of meals onto your UCard.

Meal Plan Assistance Program - Application-based program that may be awarded once during your studies and is meant to provide for financial hardship or unexpected circumstances.

The Food Closet - Located in CEPA (first floor of the Student Union). The food closet has non-perishable foods that are open to all UMass students. This does not require an appointment or showing your student ID. Their hours are:

Open 11:15-5 on Monday
Open 11:15-2 on Tuesday
Open 5:30-7 on Tuesday
Open 11:15-2 on Thursday
Open 11:15-5 on Friday

Retail & Cafe Value Meals - Value meals at Retail locations with prices starting at $5.00. Reduced food prices at all cafes one hour before close; menu items include sandwiches, salads, and baked goods are 50% off one hour before close. Additionally, graduate students can take advantage of the half-priced items one hour before close at the campus cafes - the half price brings many menu items down to $2.50 to $4.00.

COMING SOON: UMass Amherst to Partner with Amherst Survival Center to Establish Campus Food Pantry

Off Campus Resources

Amherst Survival Center- A food pantry in North Amherst providing 14+ days of food at a time. No ID is needed, there is no citizenship requirement, and there is no income cap. They offer in-person "shopping." curbside pickup, and delivery to many complexes.

Community Action Pioneer Valley- Located in Greenfield, MA, CAPV provides not just food assistance, but assistance with home energy, Head Start, Children & Families, Money & Taxes, and more.

Food Bank of Western Massachusetts - Supplies many local food banks. They have SNAP enrollment coordinators that can determine eligibility and help you enroll over the phone in as little as 10 minutes. You can contact them at 413-992-6204.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) - Provides money on a card for nutritious food each month. This government program is run through the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA). Not available for international students.