Hunger and food insecurity are a growing problems on college campuses. A 2019 national survey indicated 39% of college students were food insecure in a 30-day period (#RealCollege 2020: Five Years of Evidence on Campus Basic Needs Insecurity)*. Even students on our campus struggle with not having reliable access to a sufficient quantity of nutritious food. A spring 2017 campus survey indicated that 44.6% of students on campus had experienced food insecurity at least once per semester.

Pioneer Provisions is a free pantry/grocery service on campus for students experiencing food insecurity. All currently enrolled UW-Platteville students are eligible to utilize Pioneer Provisions, and should come during the scheduled open hours and bring their campus card. Pioneer Provisions is set up in a shopping-style format, so students can grab a shopping bag, or bring their own, and take what they need. Some high-demand items may be restricted. Volunteer staff are present during open hours to assist with questions or special requests.

Location: Glenview Commons, northeast entrance 
Hours: Tuesdays 3-6 p.m., Wednesdays 3-5 p.m., Thursdays 4-7 p.m. or by appointment (contact pioneerprovisions@uwplatt.edu)

Pioneer Provisions stocks food and hygiene items including:

  • Proteins (meat, beans, tuna, peanut butter, etc.)
  • Grains (pasta, rice, cereal, bread, etc.)
  • Canned, dried, and fresh vegetables
  • Canned, dried, and fresh fruits
  • Convenience meals (soup, ravioli, etc.)
  • Dietary Needs (vegetarian, gluten-friendly, etc.)
  • Hygiene items (shampoo, toothpaste, period products)

Pioneer Provisions will not require you to report income or complete any eligibility paperwork to receive food. We do request that students swipe their Pioneer Passport ID card when visiting. When you swipe, we store a 16-digit number to help us record the date and time of the visit. We use this information to keep track of the number of visits we have and the peak usage times. Your personal information is protected; all data is reported in aggregate with no unique identifying information attached.

The Red Basket Project at UW-Platteville provides free period products in all women’s and non-gendered restrooms across UW-Platteville campuses, allowing students to become more successful and reduce financial stress. Products that can be found in red baskets in times of need include pads, tampons, and liners. 

Awareness and donation events are great ways to get involved with The Red Basket Project.

Kotex brand pads have been generously donated by Kimberly-Clark.

Kimberly-Clark

How to donate

Pioneer Provisions is happy to accept donations of in-date, unopened, non-perishable food items and personal hygiene items. Donations may be dropped off during scheduled open hours (see above). If you have a large delivery of donations, or are interested in coordinating a donation drive event and would like to give your collected items to Pioneer Provisions, please email pioneerprovisions@uwplatt.edu.

Through our collaborative partnership with the UW-Platteville Foundation, Pioneer Provisions is also able to accept the following items:

  • Pasta, especially whole grain
  • Pasta sauces
  • Cereal, especially whole grain
  • Peanut butter and jelly
  • Canned beans
  • Canned soups
  • Hygiene items, especially shampoo, toothpaste, and tampons

Unfortunately, Pioneer Provisions is not able to accept the following items:

  • Homemade or home-canned items
  • Open packages
  • Medications/vitamins

Get involved

Awareness and donation events and volunteer staffing are coordinated by the Pioneer Pantry student organization. To learn more about the organization, including their meeting times and locations, check out PioneerLinkFacebook, or Instagram.

*Sources:
Baker-Smith, C, Coca, V, Goldrick-Rab, S, Looker, E, Richardson, B, and Williams T. (2020, Feb.). #RealCollege 2020: Five Years of Evidence on Campus Basic Needs Insecurity. Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice.

Contact Information

Dining and Campus Card Office


1300 Markee Pioneer Student Center