Spartan Food Pantry

1. Fill out the Spartan Food Pantry User Intake & Agreement Form
2. Create an Account in PantrySoft via the link found in your confirmation email
3. Bring your Tower ID to the Pantry to receive a Pantry user sticker.

The Pantry is available to all students who meet these eligibility guidelines:

• Enrolled in the current semester at SJSU 
  • For Summer Operations:
    • Must be enrolled in Spring or Summer 2026 AND is a continuing student in Fall 2026.
    • Incoming new/transfer students in Fall 2026 may be eligible to access the Pantry services in the Fall. 
• Experiencing hunger or food insecurity
• A personal annual income of $31,920 or less (no documentation needed)

1. Check In
   • Complete the sign-up process.
   • Bring your student ID and shopping bags.
   • Check in at the Front Desk.
2. Shop
   • Grab a basket.
   • Take items following the assigned quantity limits.
3. Check Out
   • Bring your basket back to the front desk.
   • Check out with the staff.
   • Bag your items.

1. What do I need to bring when I shop at the Pantry?
   • Students should bring their Student ID card and reusable shopping bags. Please note that service may be limited for those without a Tower ID.
     If you have lost your ID card, please reach out to the Bursar's Office to obtain a new one.
     
     
2. Is re-registration necessary for returning Pantry users?
   
   • If you have used the Pantry since August 2024, you do not need to fill out the User Intake Form again. Simply ensure your student ID has the white Pantry sticker. 
   • Lost your sticker? Just stop by the front desk, and we will gladly give you a new one.
3. Can continuing students who are new to the Pantry still sign up?
   
   • Yes! Any enrolled student who has not previously used the Pantry is encouraged to complete the User Intake Form for food assistance.
     
     
4. Are international or non-resident students eligible?
   
   • Yes, the Pantry is open to all currently enrolled students, including non-citizens and non-residents, and have filled out the Spartan Food Pantry User Intake & Agreement Form 
     
     
5. Where can I find food assistance if the Spartan Food Pantry is unavailable?
   
   • When we are closed, we recommend consulting these community resources for food assistance.
     
     
6. What are the TEFAP requirements for the Pantry?
   • Since June 2020, the Pantry has participated in the USDA's Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). We may collect basic details like your name, address, and household size to maintain eligibility for food distribution through Second Harvest of Silicon Valley. This institution provides equal opportunities.
7. How should I interpret food expiration dates?
   • Food labels often feature different dates (best by, use by, produced on, etc). Many items remain safe for consumption well beyond these markers. Please refer to the in-pantry handouts for specific guidance.
   • For additional details, consult a staff member or visit the websites for Second Harvest of Silicon Valley or the USDA.
     
     
8. What is the history of the Spartan Food Pantry?
   • To learn about the Student Hunger Committee, early distribution efforts, and the Pantry's development, visit the "Data & Reports" page of the SJSU Cares website. 
   • More information on the history of the Student Hunger Committee, early food shelf efforts, monthly distributions, and more can be found on the "Data & Reports" page of the SJSU Cares website. Our public proposal also provides a helpful overview.