Resources

Student Care Supply Closets

The Student Care Supply Closet provides free toiletries/personal care items and household items to students who are facing economic insecurity and/or an unexpected financial emergency to help offset the cost for other basic needs.

Any student is eligible to use this resource, no questions asked. Simply fill out a request sheet here and wait for a staff member to reach out to you to schedule your pick-up.

Amherst Survival Center Food Pantry

The Amherst Survival Center's Food Pantry is limited to those who live in the following 13 towns: Amherst, Belchertown, Deerfield, Granby, Hadley, Leverett, Pelham, Shutesbury, South Deerfield, South Hadley, Sunderland, Ware and Whately, and to those who are experiencing homelessness.
No requirements for visas, citizenship, ID, or other documentation needed.
No income cap to use the food pantry.
The Survival Center is not a governmental organization and does not share any information about community members with anyone.
To access the Food Pantry, register online here (registration is also available in Spanish and Mandarin at the Survival Center Food Pantry Webpage) or in-person during open hours at the Survival Center Food Pantry. Same-day registration is available.
Groceries include a 14+ day supply for all household members including produce, frozen meat, milk, eggs, and shelf-stable goods
There are 4 primary ways to get groceries: In-Person Shopping, Express Pickup, Curbside Pickup, and Delivery. For details, visit the Survival Center Food Pantry Webpage.
There is also a Mobile Food Pantry on the first Wednesday of the month from 1-2pm at the Boulders Apartment Homes, 156 Brittany Drive in Amherst. The distribution includes a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, and meat (when available).
If you have any questions, please contact pantry@amherstsurvival.org

Amherst Survival Center Fresh Food Distribution

This is a separate service from the Survival Center Food Pantry.
The Amherst Survival Center's Food Pantry is limited to those who live in the following 13 towns: Amherst, Belchertown, Deerfield, Granby, Hadley, Leverett, Pelham, Shutesbury, South Deerfield, South Hadley, Sunderland, Ware and Whately, and to those who are experiencing homelessness.
No requirements for visas, citizenship, ID, or other documentation needed.
No income cap to use the food pantry.
The Survival Center is not a governmental organization and does not share any information about community members with anyone.
No registration is necessary.
Fresh Food Distribution happens most week days. See Survival Center Fresh Food Distribution Webpage for updated hours.
Participants in fresh food distribution will receive a large bag full of fresh fruits and vegetables weighing between 5 and 10 pounds. They will also receive bread or bagels, as well as a choice of sweets and bonus items.

Dean of Students Microgrants

Small microgrants of up to $500 are distributed to matriculated undergraduate and graduate students for unexpected financial emergencies through the Dean of Students Office. Common reasons students apply for the grant might include: a car repair, unexpected medical bill, food, or rent assistance. Click here to access the application.

Dean of Students Short Term Loans

The Dean of Students Office extends short-term loans to matriculated undergraduate and graduate students for temporary financial emergencies, hardship, or unforeseen personal/family emergencies. The maximum loan amount is $500 for undergraduate students and $1000 for graduate students. The loan is disbursed and payment are received by the Office of the Bursar. Click here to access the application.