We understand how hard it is to focus when you’re worried about meeting your basic needs.
Paws’ Pantry provides free, healthy food to IU Indianapolis students, staff, and faculty experiencing food insecurity. Food insecurity means having limited or uncertain access to enough safe, nutritious food or being unable to obtain food in socially acceptable ways.
Supported by donations and run by student volunteers, Paws’ Pantry helps reduce the impact of poverty and food insecurity for our IU Indianapolis community. No judgment. No cost. All are welcome at Paws’ Pantry.
Contact us at jagsfood@iu.edu or 317-274-4431 with any questions or concerns.
How it works
Paws’ Pantry now uses a software system to make shopping easier for our clients. Before your first visit, log in to the Paws’ Pantry client portal using your IU credentials and complete the registration form. Once your registration is complete, you can select an appointment time.
You may visit the pantry once per week, and appointments must be made at least 24 hours in advance. Each appointment allows 15 minutes for shopping. Appointment slots open one week in advance and close 24 hours before the pantry opens. Don’t forget to bring your CrimsonCard with you, it is required at check-in.
We strive to provide appointments for those experiencing food insecurity. If you are unable to schedule an appointment, please email jagsfood@iu.edu to receive a one-time emergency pre-packaged food bag. Please note that emails are reviewed during normal business hours and are not monitored after hours, on weekends, or during official University holidays.
Paws’ Pantry’s Impact
Paws’ Pantry supports hundreds of members of the IU Indianapolis community each semester. By providing nutritious food, we help students and staff stay focused and succeed.
1 in 5IU Indianapolis freshmen are below the poverty line and considered food insecure
150+IU Indianapolis community members use the pantry each week
16,000+pantry items have been distributed to the Jaguar community
FAQ
Paws’ Pantry is a free, on-campus food pantry that provides groceries and household items to IU Indy students, staff, and faculty in need.
All current IU Indy students, staff, and faculty with a valid CrimsonCard are eligible.
Paws’ Pantry is located in the Campus Center, room 130.
Please note that the pantry follows the university’s schedule and is closed when the university is closed.
Yes. Appointments are required.
If you are experiencing an urgent need and do not have an appointment, please contact the Paws’ Pantry team directly at jagsfood@iu.edu.
You can visit the pantry once per week during open hours.
Bring your CrimsonCard for check-in and reusable bags if possible.
The pantry offers non-perishable food, canned goods, fresh produce (when available), hygiene products, and household essentials.
No. There is no income requirement. Paws’ Pantry is open to all IU Indy students, staff, and faculty with a valid CrimsonCard, regardless of financial situation.
Yes, Paws’ Pantry staff respects your privacy. Your use of the pantry is kept confidential, and all volunteers receive FERPA confidentiality training to ensure that clients feel comfortable seeking assistance.
Many items in Paws’ Pantry come from donations and local food banks. Some may have “sell-by” or “best-by” dates that have passed. These dates indicate quality, not safety. Food is generally safe to eat past the printed date, but always check its appearance, smell, and texture before consuming. For more information, visit the USDA website.
Yes! Students and staff can volunteer throughout the semester. Please email jagsfood@iu.edu to schedule your shift.
Hire Attire is operated by the Office of Student Employment. It provides work-appropriate clothing for students who need attire for work experiences, interviews, and career events. For more information, contact the Office of Student Employment.
Thank you to our donors
We could not operate Paws’ Pantry without our generous donors. Your generosity makes a real difference. Thanks to your support, Paws’ Pantry can provide food and resources to students who need it most. We are grateful for your commitment to our community!
