The mission of the HomePlate Food Pantry & Resource Center is to address food insecurity by providing healthy food for students as well as resources to help with basic needs. The center can help with challenges such as applying for SNAP benefits, housing and connecting to community, state and federal resources.
The center is staffed by a licensed social worker, knowledgeable and compassionate staff and work study students. Students in need of assistance can complete the sign-up form. Once the sign-up is complete, instructions will be provided on how to order and pick up food.
Students in need of a meal or snack while on campus, may visit the pantry for a grab-and-go meal or healthy snack.
Getting Started
All active students are welcome to sign-up for the HomePlate Food Pantry & Resource Center. Click on the sign-up link below to register. Once registered you will be able to place and order items necessary for meals at home and on campus.
Active students may sign-up at on the Pantrysoft website and click on create new client. Students must be currently taking classes and sign-up with their QCC email address.
All information will be kept confidential. Orders will be placed and pick-up using a student/staff ID number. Personal information will never be shared without permission.
Orders for food can be placed once a week and picked up by appointment. Students are allocated 20 coins per week to select food, baby and hygiene products. Each Monday coins will refill! Points not used do not carry over into the following week.
Pantry orders can be picked up at one of three locations: Food Pantry/Main Campus, Downtown Campus or Cafeteria Lockers (evening hours) at the main campus.
The Southbridge Campus is supplied with limited food staples and hygiene products. Students need to sign-up online to be given products.
The HomePlate Food Pantry is open four days a week (closed on Wednesdays) all year, including summer. The pantry follows the QCC calendar and is closed when the college is closed.
Donations
If you would like to donate items to the Pantry, our most-needed items are:
- Personal Hygiene Products
- Diapers (all sizes)
- Product donations can be dropped off at any time at the HomePlate Food Pantry and Resource Center located in the Administration Building, Room B65A
- Monetary donations for the pantry, can be made through the QCC Foundation.
Resources
We provide our students with the resources, guidance and information they need to stay happy and healthy. While we provide food to students in need, we also do our best to help guide you through other issues that may arise. Whether you need help applying for SNAP or MassHealth benefits, finding affordable child care, Section 8 vouchers or something else, talk to us. Our student volunteers are equipped with knowledge to help streamline these processes and point you in the right direction.
Have More Questions?
To connect with the center for help with resources for basic needs in addition to food, please contact:
Charlotte Operach, MS, LSW
Manager of HomePlate Food Pantry & Resource Center
Coperach@qcc.mass.edu