Program Description
In order to utilize the Patriot Pantry, a student must be a degree-seeking George Mason student enrolled in at least one (1) credit hour in the Spring 2026 term. The Patriot Pantry provides access to non-perishable food and hygiene items to George Mason University students who are experiencing food insecurity. The Patriot Pantry raises awareness about food insecurity within the Mason student population. The Pantry is housed under the Student Support and Advocacy Center (SSAC) in the Division of University Life.
If you are interested in receiving services from the Patriot Pantry, please visit the Patriot Pantry at Fairfax or Patriot Pantry at Mason Square pages depending on the campus you primarily attend to learn more and submit an order form.
Donate to Patriot Pantry
The Patriot Pantry relies heavily on donations to operate and appreciate all of the support from the community to keep our shelves full. If you would like to donate to the Patriot Pantry below is a list of our most requested items. To donate items in person, please ensure items are non-expired, unopened, and if possible, individually wrapped. In person donations can be dropped off in designated boxes marked “Donations” located in:
- Student Union Building 1 room 3011 on the Fairfax Campus
- Van Metre Hall room 222 on the Mason Square Campus
Patriot Pantry Amazon Wishlist
Donations can also be shipped directly to the separate Patriot Pantries via Amazon. Please click below to be directed to the Amazon Wishlist’s for the specific campus you would like to donate to.
| Food Items | Personal Hygiene Items |
|---|---|
| Pasta/Pasta Sauce | Body wash |
| Rice (instant or regular) | Shampoo |
| Cans of Tuna/ Salmon or Chicken | Conditioner |
| Mac N Cheese | Deodorant |
| Hormel Compleats | Bars of soap |
| Mixed vegetables | Lotion |
| Soups | Period products |
| Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free food options | Shaving cream/razors |
| Healthy snacks (granola bars, nuts, crackers) | Toothpaste/toothbrush |
| Peanut butter | Floss |
| Jelly | Laundry detergent |
| Instant oatmeal | Paper towels |
| Cereal and other breakfast items (pancake mix, muffins etc) | Toilet paper |
Let's go, contribute monetarily to
The Patriot Pantry
Pantry History
The Pop-Up Pantry was created in December 2014 by then graduate student Yara Mowafy and University Life staff member Michael Galvin. Their original goal was to raise awareness regarding the various challenges that some George Mason University students face regarding food insecurity. In response, Yara and Michael created a food pantry to provide access to non-perishable food items, toiletries, and basic school supplies to students who could not afford them.
In the 2015-2016 academic year, daily operation of the Pantry was taken over by undergraduate students Gary Hooker and Noah Shoates. They further developed the Pantry and were instrumental in relocating to a new designated space in SUB I in August 2016. The Pantry officially became a part of the Student Support and Advocacy in 2016-2017 academic year. In the spring 2017 semester, the name of the Pantry was officially changed to the Patriot Pantry. The Patriot Pantry has continued to develop and serve the George Mason University student population.
The Patriot Pantry is a member of the College and University Food Bank Alliance.
Contact Us
Fairfax Campus
- [email protected] for questions about services, donating , or volunteering with the Patriot Pantry.
Mason Square
- [email protected] for questions about services, donating, or volunteering with the Patriot Pantry.
Is Patriot Pantry not enough?
Checkout the Virginia Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program(SNAP)
