College of Western Idaho (CWI) is bringing together two campus resources in a new way through a partnership between the Campus Food and Hygiene Pantry and Agriculture Sciences program. The collaboration is helping provide fresh food to students facing food insecurity while giving Agriculture Sciences students an opportunity to put their work to use right here at CWI.
Beginning immediately, fresh vegetables grown by Agriculture Sciences students are available at the Food Pantry located in the Nampa Campus CapEd Student Success Center (NCSC). Fresh produce is replenished every Monday and Wednesday, giving students another nutritious option when they visit the pantry.
More is on the way. Farm-fresh eggs are expected to be available in the near future as the program continues to grow.
“It’s a special partnership when students on campus are growing food and feeding one another! I love seeing students take their passion and help fuel other programs and support services on campus,” said Andrea Farner, Assistant Dean of Agriculture Sciences. “Our Agriculture Sciences students are not only gaining valuable hands-on experience, but they’re also providing nutritious food that directly benefits members of the CWI community. As our gardens continue to expand, we’re excited about the possibilities for adding new crops and eventually providing eggs to help meet student needs.”
The partnership is a simple example of students helping students. Through their work in the Urban Market Garden, Agriculture Sciences students are gaining hands-on experience while helping fellow students bring home fresh, healthy food.
As the gardens grow, there is also room for the partnership to grow with them. Additional crops, increased production, and eventually fresh eggs could mean even more options for students who rely on CWI’s food pantries.
“Having access to the food pantry has helped me focus more on my classes and worry less about where my next meal will come from,” shared a CWI student. “Knowing that fellow students are growing fresh produce for the pantry makes it feel like the CWI community truly cares about student success.”
Campus Food & Hygiene Pantry Locations
Six food and hygiene pantries are located throughout our campuses, where students and employees experiencing food insecurity are welcome to access food to get them through the day.
- Nampa Campus CapEd Student Success Center (NCSC)
Down the hall from the student kitchen and across from the future Bookstore. - Nampa Campus Micron Education Center (NMEC)
Main floor, down the hall next to the Bookstore. - Nampa Campus Aspen Classroom Building (NASP)
Far left end of the building near the side exit (directional signs posted). - Canyon County Center (CYNC)
Main floor, outside of room 106. - Ada County Center Mallard Building (AMAL)
Located in the main entrance lobby. - Ada County Center Pintail Building (APIN)
In the hallway near office 1117.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I donate?
There are two ways to support the CWI Food Pantry:
- Visit the Give Now page to make a monetary donation.
- Contact the Food Pantry team directly at cwifoodpantry@cwi.edu to donate food or hygiene products.
What items are most helpful to donate?
Students frequently select foods that are quick and easy to prepare, including:
- Microwave mac and cheese bowls
- Cup noodles and ramen
- Fruit snacks
- Granola bars
- Crackers and snack packs
- Shelf-stable meals
- Instant oatmeal bowls
- Other easy-to-prepare, shelf-stable foods
What items are needed most, right now?
Hygiene products are among the items students need most.
Examples include:
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Body wash and soap
- Toothpaste and toothbrushes
- Deodorant
- Feminine hygiene products
For students balancing the costs of school and everyday life, these basic necessities can make a meaningful difference.
Are canned goods needed?
Food donations of all kinds are appreciated. However, students tend to select ready-to-eat snacks, microwavable meals, and other convenient foods more often than canned goods.
Because canned items move more slowly, larger quantities can remain in pantry storage and take up valuable shelf space. Donations that reflect what students regularly choose help the pantry make the best use of its space while keeping popular items available.
Thank You to Our Donors
The continued success of CWI’s food pantries is made possible by community partners, businesses, organizations, faculty, staff, alumni, students, and individual donors who provide food, hygiene products, and financial support throughout the year.
Major supporters include Albertsons, Swipe Out Hunger, Homes of Idaho, participating businesses in the Blessing Box Business Coalition, regional healthcare and dental partners, The Idaho Foodbank, CWI Workforce Development Department, Beta Sigma Pi, and many individual members of the CWI community.
Their generosity helps keep pantry shelves stocked and essential resources available to students throughout the year. Every donation — whether it is a meal, a hygiene product, or financial support — helps give students one less thing to worry about while working toward their educational goals.
Together We Grow
This new partnership between the Food and Hygiene Pantry and Agriculture Sciences program shows what can happen when resources, learning, and people come together at CWI.
Whether you’re visiting a pantry, making a donation, or supporting programs like the Agriculture Sciences garden, there are many ways to be part of the effort.
Sometimes, supporting student success can be as simple as students growing food for other students.
For those in need of more information or have questions about the Food and Hygiene Pantry, please contact cwifoodpantry@cwi.edu.
