High inflation following the COVID-19 pandemic has driven up the cost of food. Shoppers often find that even just a few items in their grocery cart total more than $50. For many Seattle residents already facing rising rent costs, food has become a financial burden, despite being a basic necessity.
North Seattle College (North) currently operates one pop-up food pantry and plans to open a second, permanent pantry exclusively for students starting next quarter. Through these two efforts, the college aims to improve access to nourishment for students, faculty, staff, and community members.
Pop-Up Food Pantry on Tuesday
Every Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m., North hosts a pop-up food pantry in the east parking lot, open to all students and community members. The program began in April 2021 and operates as one of the satellite locations operated by the University District Food Bank. The food bank supplies the groceries, while North handles on-site logistics and volunteer coordination.
The University District Food Bank provides all the food distributed at the pantry. Maura Nakamichi, Benefits Hub and Food Pantry manager, spoke with The Seattle Collegian about the challenges faced by food pantries and the college’s partnership with the food bank.
“After the pandemic, it became difficult to run food pantries regularly with donations alone because demand increased so much,” Nakamichi explained. “Many food pantries now rely on government support or nonprofit organizations like Benefits Hub. When funding for purchasing food decreases, it becomes harder to keep the programs running. That’s why we’re fortunate that the University District Food Bank has partnered with North Seattle College and continues to host this program with us.”
At the June 4 pop-up food pantry, the site offered around 17 types of items, including onions, potatoes, avocados, pasta, milk, apple juice, and snacks. Diapers were also available.
The University District Food Bank’s truck arrived around 3 p.m. and delivered boxes of fresh produce. The vegetables were crisp and vividly colored.
Food pantry staff and volunteers who signed up through SignUpGenius helped unpack boxes and organize items so visitors could quickly pick up their food and move through the line efficiently. They were the backbone of the operation.
The pantry offers three pickup options for convenience. Visitors can use either the drive-thru or walk-up service. Volunteers and staff members prepare and distribute pre-packed food bags before the pantry opens, based on individual needs and household size.
The food pantry also offers home delivery through DoorDash service for students unable to attend in person, particularly those with disabilities or scheduling conflicts. Services are limited to 50 students per quarter, and participants must be registered for a minimum of three credits at North Seattle College during the quarter when they receive items. Students are required to register each quarter to access the service by submitting a registration form.
This policy ensures food pantry resources are distributed equitably.
Upcoming North Star Food Pantry
North Seattle College is preparing to open its second food pantry. Nakamichi said, “We are planning a new food pantry designated for students because the Tuesday pop-up food pantry is only available for three hours a week, which makes it difficult for students to access food consistently. It’s important to have it here on campus to make it more accessible to students.”
Additionally, North Seattle College doesn’t have an on-campus restaurant or bakery like Buzz at Seattle Central College. Students often have to walk several blocks to find food, making access on campus inconvenient. This lack of nearby food options is another reason a permanent food pantry is so important.
There is a micro market at North Seattle College, but it mainly sells snacks, ramen, and instant food. Students looking for healthy, balanced lunch options are left with few to no choices.
Located on campus rather than in the east parking lot, the North Star Food Pantry is set to become a permanent resource exclusively for North Seattle College students. Much of its funding comes from student activity fees, which are paid each quarter alongside tuition.
Nakamichi explained, “The object of the food pantry is to provide a wide variety. We want it to offer a full spectrum of foods – not just canned and boxed items – and also include hygiene products.” She added that the pantry aims to provide protein, milk, fresh fruit, dry goods, and more–essentially, “the whole thing.”
The specific opening date has not yet been determined, but the pantry is expected to begin pilot operation later in the upcoming summer quarter, with full operations planned for the fall quarter 2025.
The food pantry will operate on a point system. Each student will receive 12 points to use on items they want or need. The number of points required will vary depending on the type of item. The system was chosen over the pre-packed food bags to reduce food waste caused by items that students don’t need. In essence, the food pantry is designed to function like a grocery store, allowing students to shop for what they need using their points.
Regarding the pantry’s operation, Nakamichi said, “My goal is to hire student workers, but the pantry isn’t open yet, so we are still figuring some of that out.”
Once open, the North Star Food Pantry will make it easier for students to obtain fresh, nourishing ingredients directly on campus, ultimately enhancing the student experience at the North campus.
Author
She is Maya Lee. She likes participating in events. Also, she likes writing about interesting topics.
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