Patriot Pantry

The Patriot Pantry

Started by the Student Government Association in 2019, the Patriot Pantry is an on-campus food resource for students, employees, and community. The pantry is 100% donor funded through a combination of food and monetary donations. The Patriot Pantry serves an average of 45 visitors a week and distributes on average 400+ items per week. 

The pantry is meant to be only supplementary assistance; students with consistent food insecurity are directed to long term assistance through nonprofits in the areas such as PATH and East Texas Food Bank.

The Patriot Pantry is dedicated to helping those in need. Its mission is to provide food and personal care items to members of the UT Tyler community. 

Fall 2026 Hours 

• Monday - 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
• Tuesday - 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
• Wednesday - 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
• Thursday 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 2 - 5 p.m.
• Friday - 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Note: Pantry hours change every semester based on the Student Assistant's class schedule. The Pantry is closed on the weekends and major school holidays. If you are in immediate need and we are not available, you can check out the other food resources in Tyler. 

What can visitors take?

In order to serve all students in need, the Patriot Pantry has the following limits: 

Maximum 1 visit per week 
Maximum 15 items per visit (unless it is a surplus item)
Maximum 5 hygiene items per visit 

 

Want to donate?

Most needed items: 

• Canned protein 
• Pre-cooked meals, non-perishable meals
• Pop top cans are not required but they are encouraged
• Peanut butter and jelly
• Pasta 
• Canned fruit 
• Ramen 
• Grab and go breakfast items (Pop - tarts, granola bars etc.) 

We cannot accept baked goods, opened items, medications, raw meat, expired items, clothes, or homeade food items.

We accept food and monetary donations all year. Email us to set up a food donation. UT Tyler Faculty and Staff can set up a payroll deduction.

Donate online to the Patriot Pantry

Upcoming Events:

October 2026 - UT Showdown Against Hunger

UT System is hosting its first-ever systemwide food drive competition: the UT Showdown Against Hunger! UT System universities will go head-to-head with each other to collect as many nonperishable food and hygiene items as possible. This competition will run throughout October! Support your university and help fight food insecurity by donating. Every contribution counts in the inaugural UT Showdown Against Hunger! Drop off items at the Patriot Pantry during open hours or the Student Engagement office in the University Center from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday!

Ongoing - Donations for Citations

Donate food items & get up to $50 off your parking citation. (Terms and Conditions):  

• Donate food items & get up to $50 off your parking citation: the credit only covers $50.00; If your balance is more than $50.00, you are responsible for paying the remaining balance. 
• Donations will continue to be accepted throughout the semester.
• A photo ID must be presented.  
• Persons must complete a Qualtrics form provided by pantry staff.
• Credit can only be applied to parking citations not a parking pass. 
• All donated items must be on the Patriot Pantry need items list and a matched quantity to acquire a $50 credit. 
• Donated items must be unopened and not damaged. 
• Each donated item is worth $5 credit, but the minimum number of items donated must be 10. (i.e. 3 items will not equal $15 off). 
• The program can only be used once a semester. 
• The 10 items should be a variety of items (For example: 5 packages of Ramen noodles and 5 boxes of Mac and Cheese)

patriotpantry@uttyler.edu

Last updated September 2026