Supporting the UMA Community
UMA recognizes that access to nutritious food is essential to student success and well-being. Multiple UMA locations offer an on-site food pantry available to UMA and University of Maine System (UMS) students, staff, and faculty. These spaces provide free, judgment-free access to food and essential items for anyone experiencing food insecurity.
Augusta Campus – The Community Cupboard
The Office of Student Life asks that all students, staff, and faculty please use the Community Cupboard responsibly. The intended use of this cupboard is to help alleviate hunger for people who cannot provide for themselves while on campus. The community cupboard is a judgment-free zone for students, faculty, and staff to get what they need while on campus. The cupboard is NOT for supplying your home pantry.
Please adhere to the following guidelines:
- Be mindful of those who use the cupboard
- The cupboard is intended to alleviate hunger while on campus
- It is NOT intended for supplying your home pantry
- Please throw away your wrappers
- Do not vandalize or destroy the products in the cupboard or the cupboard itself
- Be respectful of other people in the area
Location
Student Lounge
Randall Student Center
UMA Augusta Campus
Hours
Cupboard hours: 8:00am – 7:00pm
The cupboard is locked from 7:00pm – 8:00am
If the hours are not convenient, please contact the Office of Student Life at 621-3442 to discuss other options.
UMA Community Cupboard: Free Food Every Tuesday, Fall 2025
The Office of Student Life has partnered with the Augusta Food Bank to provide free food items every week for UMA students, faculty, and staff on Tuesdays from 11:30am until the food is gone. Find them in the Randall Student Center with great options like fresh produce, meats, bread, and desserts.
Bangor Campus – Food for Thought Pantry
The Food for Thought Pantry is for UMA students, employees, and their families, and is made possible by a partnership with Good Shepherd Food Bank and generous donations from UCU.
If possible, bring your own reusable bags. We will just ask for the last 4 digits of your phone # when you arrive in order to track the number of families that we serve.
Please contact joy.steward@maine.edu if you are interested in joining the coalition or volunteering in the food pantry.
Location
Lewiston Hall, Room 116
UMA Bangor Campus
Hours for Fall 2025
- Tuesday: 8:30 am – 12:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am – 11:00 am
- Thursday: 8:30 am – 12:00 pm
Additionally, you can call Joy at 262.7912 for a more convenient time.
Eastport Hall Fridge/Freezer and Coffee Bar Cabinet
Located in Eastport Hall, this resource includes soups, milk, pasta, and canned goods available to students. If there’s something you or your family could use that isn’t available, contact Alissa Gervais, Coordinator of Student Life, at alissa.gervais@maine.edu or 207.262.7817.
Ellsworth Center – Food Pantry
The Ellsworth Center Food Pantry is made possible by partnering with Good Shepherd Food Bank and is located to the right of the lobby just past the office, 2nd door on the left. We have a selection of food staples as well as hygiene and feminine hygiene products available free for all UMA students, employees, and their families facing food insecurity.
Please bring your reusable bags and your UMA ID. We do not limit how often or how much you take. You can access the pantry during normal business hours.
Please call 667.3897 with any questions you may have or if you would like to arrange a time that is a little more private.
Lewiston Center – Oakhurst Campus Food Pantry
The Oakhurst Campus Food Pantry is located inside the campus library and provides essential resources to the UMS community to fight food insecurity and meet the basic needs of students, faculty, and staff using a self-assessed need model.
There is no paperwork to fill out or expectation to “prove” your current need in order to access the pantry; all you need is your current University of Maine System (UMS) ID. We do not limit how often you can access pantry resources.
We offer a wide range of food, household, and personal goods. You can access the pantry during normal business hours at the library.
For additional information, you can call the library and speak with Liz or Maureen at 753-6540.
Additional Food Assistance Resources for UMA Students
Emergency Funds for Students
Students facing immediate financial hardship can apply for assistance using the Urgent Student Funds Request Form. Limited emergency funds are available to help UMA students with unexpected needs. For questions or support, contact Crystal Woehrle-Logan, Administrative Specialist, at crystal.woehrle-logan@maine.edu or 621.3531.
Sodexo Swipe Out Hunger Program
UMA partners with Sodexo to fight student food insecurity through a Meal Swipe Bank. Students may self-nominate using the Swipe Out Hunger Meal Request Form. Once approved, meals are loaded to their ID and can be redeemed simply by swiping at Moose Tracks Cafe in Augusta, and the Hungry Moose Cafe in Bangor.
Additionally, students may choose to work in the kitchen to receive either hourly pay or a meal plan equivalent. This program is designed to support non-residential students who may be struggling, while also helping address Sodexo’s current workforce shortage. We’ll work with students individually to determine which option best meets their needs. For more information, please contact Santiago Rave at santiago.rave@sodexo.com.
