The Yellowjacket Food Pantry champions access, dignity and community care at UW-Superior

The Yellowjacket Food Pantry at the University of Wisconsin-Superior continues to play a vital role in student success by easing the cost of groceries and essential items. Open to all students with a valid university ID, the pantry is designed as a supplemental resource – one that is welcoming, accessible and free of stigma.

Located in Swenson Hall, the pantry’s placement is intentional. While Swenson Hall is a busy campus building, the pantry itself sits in a quieter hallway, offering students privacy and peace of mind when accessing services.

“The pantry’s location is in a high-traffic building, but a low-traffic hallway,” said Lisa Larson, case manager in the Dean of Students Office, who oversees pantry operations. “Our goal is to provide anonymity while also ensuring students feel supported.”

A Simple, Respectful Shopping Experience

Students are invited to shop at the pantry just as they would in a small grocery store. Reusable bags are provided, and checkout is quick and easy thanks to a QR code system. Students are encouraged to take only what they need, helping ensure the pantry can continue to serve the wider campus community.

While most items are available without limits, a few high-demand staples – such as ramen, canned meats, and rice – do have quantity limits to ensure fair access for all.

Expanding Access Through Cultural Inclusion

In recognition of Black History Month in February, the Office of Multicultural Affairs is partnering with the Yellowjacket Food Pantry to expand access to culturally relevant hygiene and hair-care products. These items are intended to better support Black students and others with textured, curly, or coily hair – needs that are often overlooked in traditional pantry offerings.

As part of this initiative, students curated an Amazon wish list featuring products that are not always readily available through standard donations, helping the pantry better reflect and serve the diversity of the UW-Superior community.

Thank You for Supporting Yellowjacket Students

“A huge thank you to the staff, faculty and community members whose generosity makes the Yellowjacket Food Pantry possible,” said Larson.

During Fall Semester 2025, the pantry received an incredible 2,576 pounds of donations and distributed 2,169 pounds of food and hygiene products to UW-Superior students.

How to Donate

Community members interested in supporting the Yellowjacket Food Pantry have several ways to help:

• Purchase items from the student-curated Amazon Wish List. When ordering, select delivery to: Yellowjacket Food Pantry, Swenson 1080, P.O. Box 2000, Superior, WI 54880.
• Shop locally and donate food, hygiene, or hair-care items that align with student needs. Please ensure all donated items are unopened and unused.

Information about pantry hours, location and more is available online. The pantry remains open during summer and academic breaks, with adjusted hours as needed.

For appointments outside regular pantry hours or for donation-related questions, please contact Lisa Larson at (715) 394-8119 or [email protected].