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How to Access the Big Orange Pantry

The Big Orange Pantry has moved to a new location! Big Orange Pantry is now located in Student Union 376C with Smokey’s Closet. This new location provides students, faculty, and staff with a one-stop location for basic needs resources.

Basic needs insecurity is a growing concern among colleges and universities. Basic needs security includes access to nutritious and sufficient food; safe, secure, and adequate housing; and a variety of other essential needs supporting well-being. The Big Orange Pantry serves as one of many resources in the Office of the Dean of Students providing basic needs support to faculty, staff, and students.

What Does the Pantry Have?

All current UT students, faculty, and staff can use the pantry. There is a variety of items from nonperishable canned goods to frozen meats, dairy products, and more! We also house the Food 4 Vols program in collaboration with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Culinary Institute. This program was created by Chef White to combat hunger and food waste on campus. We also have a rotating supply of hygiene items on our shelves!

How Does Big Orange Pantry Work?

There is no application to fill out before using the pantry. Just come on by during our open hours and our volunteers will show you around and explain our systems! We are also housed in the same location as Smokey’s Closet, so that resource is available to you as well. We are open 5 days a week and patrons can visit once a day. Check below for our open hours as well as follow us on Instagram for all updated events!

Spring 2022 Hours

Mondays: 12:30-5:30 p.m.

Tuesdays: 12:30-5:30 p.m.

Wednesdays: 12:30-5:30 p.m.

Thursdays: 12:30-5:30 p.m.

Fridays: 12:30-5:30 p.m.

Other Meal Resources

Students also have access to Big Orange Meal Share, a short-term assistance program that allocates meals to students in need. Students who apply will receive meals based on the information provided in their application, up to 20 allocated meals.

The Big Orange Meal Plan Scholarship is open once a year for applications for students in need of something long-term. This scholarship is sponsored by Aramark and the Office of the Dean of Students to cover a meal plan for the fall and spring semesters for a number of students each year.

Getting Involved in the Big Orange Pantry

Do you want to get involved or volunteer with Big Orange Pantry? We will list weekly volunteer opportunities via the Jones Center for Leadership and Service Sign Up to Serve website.

For classroom or student organizations, contact bigorangepantry@utk.edu to set up a time. Please note, because of the size of our office, we recommend contacting us several weeks prior to your desired date.

If you want to donate to Big Orange Pantry, we ask that you first email bigorangepantry@utk.edu to confirm up-to-date needs.