Basic Needs FAQs

Do you have questions about OSU Basic Needs and the available resources? Our FAQ has answers for shoppers, volunteers, staff, and faculty. For more help, contact basicneeds@okstate.edu.

Shopper Questions:

• What do I need to bring to visit Pete’s Pantry?
  We ask that you bring a valid OSU ID. While bags are provided, we encourage you to bring your own reusable bags.
• Do I have to meet any qualifications to visit the Pantry?

  No, Pete’s Pantry does not require any information or demonstration of need to access the pantry.

• How often can I visit Pete’s Pantry?

  We ask that Pete’s Pantry shoppers visit no more than once a week.

• Who can use Pete’s Pantry and Pete’s Eats?

  Pete’s Pantry and Pete’s Eats is available to all OSU students, faculty and staff.

• How can I stay updated on Pantry and Pete’s Eats information and closures?

  For the most up-to-date information regarding Pete’s Pantry and Pete’s Eats, follow Basic Needs on Instagram at @OSUBasicNeeds.

• What’s the difference between Pete’s Pantry and Pete’s Eats?

  Pete’s Pantry is a supplemental food pantry that is located at 042 Student Union basement. Pete’s Eats is a food recovery program that provides students a free, hot meal from one of the University Dining Services locations. Please refer to the OSU Basic Needs website or the Basic Needs Instagram for hours of operation for both resources.

• What is a supplemental pantry?

  A supplemental pantry is a food resource designed to lower the financial burden of food, not eliminate it.

• Where can I go if Pete’s Pantry is closed?

  There are several community resources available to students, including Our Daily Bread, located in Stillwater. Please visit the Basic Needs website to learn about additional resources.

• Will my information be kept confidential?

  Your privacy is of the utmost importance to us and will not be disclosed to anyone outside of the Campus Life or Basic Needs team without your explicit permission.

• Where do you get your food from?
  Pete’s Pantry purchases most of its food from the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. In addition, we purchase food from the OSU Student Farm, along with sporadic meat product donations from the Food and Agriculture Products Center, located on OSU’s campus. We also accept donations from food drives hosted across the OSU campus.
• How does Pete’s Pantry get support?
  Pete’s Pantry is sustained through monetary and food donations from those who support our cause and partnerships with organizations also focused on reducing food insecurity.

Volunteer and Student Organization Questions:

• How can I volunteer with Basic Needs?
  All Basic Needs volunteer opportunities, including those at Pete's Pantry and Pete's Eats, are posted on our GivePulse page. We also announce volunteer opportunities and sign-up details on our Instagram account, @OSUBasicNeeds. Be sure to follow us to stay updated!
• Can my organization set up a volunteer event?

  Yes! We love to have student organizations volunteer with us. Please be aware our space can only hold up to 10 volunteers at a time. Please email basicneeds@okstate.edu for more information.

• How do I host a food drive?

  If your organization is interested in hosting a food drive, please email us at basicneeds@okstate.edu for more information on how to get started.

Faculty and Staff Questions:

• Can OSU Basic Needs give a presentation in my class or student organization?
  We would love to come and speak to your class or organization. Please email basicneeds@okstate.edu for more information.
• If a faculty or staff member is concerned about a student's access to basic needs, what resources are available to help them provide support?

  If you are concerned about a student's access to basic needs, we encourage you to contact the Basic Needs team directly at basicneeds@okstate.edu. Our team is equipped to provide guidance and support to both you and the student.