In early April, the Cavalier Food Pantry (CFP) began a new chapter by moving to the Student Health and Wellness (SHW) building. With support from the University’s Basic Needs Support Fund, this move marks a significant upgrade in service. While the Newcomb Hall location remains open as a satellite, the pantry’s main operations are now at SHW.
The pantry is also focusing on building an endowment through the Basic Needs Support Fund, with plans to allocate the first $3 million specifically to its operations.
Moving to SHW has made the pantry more accessible and expanded its storage space. This change allows the CFP to better manage restocking while continuing to serve students from both locations. Nicole Pierce, the Basic Needs Coordinator at SHW, noted that this relocation has led to a rise in pantry visits. During the 2024-2025 academic year, they recorded over 10,000 visits.
“Since our official opening this semester, we’ve doubled — and in some months nearly tripled — our visitor numbers compared to last year,” Pierce reported. Her role was established in 2022 to enhance food security, emergency aid, and other basic needs for students. She emphasized that the pantry’s move aligns with the broader goals of Care and Support Services (CASS), a resource aimed at supporting students.
The pantry is primarily run by students, led by a committee of eleven. Cary Jalali, the Executive Director of the CFP Student Committee, shared that the new space feels more like a market than a typical food pantry. “This change makes it easier for students to walk in and find what they need in a welcoming environment,” Jalali explained. This shift helps to reduce the stigma often associated with food pantries.
SHW staff also play a role in promoting the pantry’s offerings. Pierce highlighted that their collaboration has helped raise awareness among students about available resources. The increase in visits can be attributed in part to this structured outreach.
Daniel McCain, the Head of Marketing for CFP, underscored the importance of destigmatizing the need for help. “Being part of this amazing team and knowing we’re changing the culture at U.Va. feels incredibly rewarding,” McCain said. His work involves raising awareness and organizing events to support this mission.
Danielle D’Andrea, an associate director at SHW, has worked alongside McCain to enhance educational efforts around pantry resources. She noted that these partnerships help the pantry reach more students in a supportive manner.
In addition to the move, the CFP is set to receive ongoing funding from the University’s Basic Needs Support Fund. Pierce explained that this funding will be crucial for tackling issues like food insecurity, clothing needs, and housing support. The focus on allocating $3 million specifically for the pantry demonstrates a commitment to addressing these critical needs.
As the CFP continues to evolve, students like Jalali remain dedicated to its mission. “It’s meaningful to see my peers directly benefit from our services,” he said. “Knowing that our work helps students focus on being students rather than worrying about hunger is incredibly important.”
Recent data indicates that food insecurity among college students is a growing concern, with about 30% of students nationwide facing challenges in accessing adequate nutrition. This underlines the significance of initiatives like the CFP, which strive to alleviate these issues on campus. By providing easy access to food and promoting a supportive atmosphere, the pantry aims to be a vital resource for students.
For more about U.Va.’s initiatives addressing student needs, you can visit the [University of Virginia’s Basic Needs Support Fund](https://www.virginia.edu/basicneeds).
