Food Access

The Pantry is made up of three major components and services:

• Grab and Go Snacks - Need a granola bar or fruit snacks? Maybe a Cup of Noodles or a can of soup for a quick lunch between classes? Our snack station is here for you, providing a variety of free pre-packaged grab-and-go snacks Monday-Thursday, from 9:00am-5:00pm at the front desk of the USG Student Services Office. (Limit to Two Grab & Go Snack Bag Per Week, Per Student)
• Customizable Toiletry Bags (Grab and Go) - Students will be offered pre-stocked selections of hygiene items such as soaps, shampoos, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and deodorants (inventory will vary). Every 2 weeks, students can choose three toiletry items Monday-Thursday, from 9:00am-5:00pm at the front desk of the USG Student Services Office.
• Grover Essentials After Hours (New for Spring 2023 semester!) - Starting January 23rd, students will be able to pick up Grab and Go Snack bags outside of USG Student Services' normal business hours! Simply make an appointment here and you will be able to stop by the lockers outside of the USG Student Services Office to pick up your Grab and Go After Hours Snack! Grover After Hours will be available Monday-Thursday 5 pm-10 pm, Friday 5 pm-6 pm, and Saturday 10 am-6 pm.

Learn about Grover Essentials

Mobile Market is a program supported by the Capital Area Food Bank (CAFB), who provides fresh seasonal fruits, vegetables, and other food items at zero cost for distribution to the campus and the local community. USG will host a Mobile Market from 11am-1pm on select Mondays each month. All you need to do is stop by room G318 on the ground floor of Building IV, bring grocery bags and pick up some food. More details about USG's Mobile Market operations can be found here.

Montgomery College Mobile Market dates, times and locations can be found here. Are you looking to volunteer? The market will run solely on volunteer labor; we welcome all volunteers. Please sign up here.

The Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program or SNAP (formerly known as the Food Stamp Program) provides monthly financial benefits to eligible households (all persons in a residence who purchase and prepare food on a regular basis) to supplement their food purchase budget. Eligibility is based upon household size and income.  Benefits are not intended to cover total monthly food expenses but are designed to be a supplement to the food budget.  U.S. citizenship is a requirement of the program but non-citizens with “qualified immigrant” status may also meet eligibility requirements.  A signed application and interview is required in order to receive benefits. Specific information on eligibility is available at the local office.

Complete an Application

Search for Locations and Get More Information

SNAP for College Students

Maryland SNAP-Ed is a program within University of Maryland Extension that creates healthier environments and improves the health and wellbeing of limited income families across Maryland. SNAP-Ed programs encourage a nutritious and active lifestyle through  increased food access, drinking more water, and promoting physical activity.

Recipes for your Family - Looking for a new recipe to try at home with your family?  Search our list of recipes for ideas!  
Search our recipe database for exciting recipes that are quick, easy and your family will love!

Cooking 5 Ways - What's in your pantry?  Take a closer look and then check out  these Cooking 5 Ways ideas.  Use pantry foods you have on hand, in different ways, to make healthy meals and snacks!