College Food Pantry Food Drive

The Oxford Dictionary defines Food Insecurity as the condition of not having access to sufficient food, or food of an adequate quality, to meet one's basic needs.  Food insecurity is an issue for some college students, and the lack of adequate nutrition can impact their educational, social and health needs.  A 2019 survey of undergraduate and graduate students at UMKC found that 32% of undergraduates and 19% of graduate students experienced food insecurity1.  A similar study, published in 2024, surveyed 844 college students across 9 Missouri institutions of higher learning and found 45% of the respondents reported being food insecure2.   

1Don E. Willis, 2019. Food Insecurity Among UMKC Students: A Summary Report. University of Missouri, Columbia, MO.

2Chrisman, M. et al., 2024, J. Agriculture, Food Systems and Community Development13.

During the Lenten Season, Immanuel’s Social Ministry Committee hosts a food drive to supply food to pantries at three institutions of higher learning in our region: Westwood House at KU-Lawrence, the Dr. Raj Bala Agrawal Care Center at UMKC, and the Thrive Food Pantry at KUMC.  A list of most needed items is below.  

In 2025, collection of food starts Sunday, March 9 and continues through Sunday April 20.

Immanuel members may bring their donations and place them on the table in the upstairs elevator lobby.

Community members may drop off donations at Immanuel during business hours, 10 AM to 2 PM, Monday through Friday at the south Bell Street entrance.  Just ring the bell for assistance.

Community members may also bring donations to Immanuel on Sunday morning, and either join us for worship or leave the donation in a box at the Bell Street entrance.

• Cereal and other breakfast items
• Granola bars
• Peanut Butter
• Jelly
• Protein bars
• Canned beans (kidney, chickpeas, black beans)
• Canned vegetables (< 230 mg sodium)
• Fruit (can or cup)
• Canned meats, including tuna and chicken
• Canned Soup
• Pasta, Rice, Brown Rice, Lentils, Dry Beans
• Gluten-free Pasta, Crackers, Breads
• Pasta sauce
• Mac and cheese, including microwavable
• Snacks, individual serving sizes
• Boxed meals (Hamburger Helper, Pasta Roni)
• Quick meals
• Vegan/vegetarian options
• International foods
• Paper towels
• Toilet paper
• Reusable Grocery Bags