Support Grads' Basic Needs

The focus of the Advising Graduate Students Conference is advisor growth and skill development to provide exceptional service to graduate students.  In reflecting on service, however, it's essential to recognize that graduate student needs are not confined to the classroom, office, and/or lab.  For that reason, we are raising funds for the UC Davis GSA Graduate Student Pantry, which is housed in Room 1213 of the newly renovated Graduate Center at Historic Walker Hall. The Pantry provides a central, safe location for graduates to access healthy food and other basic-needs items for free.

Please click here to donate to the GSA Pantry

We ask for your donation to assist in the growth of the GSA Graduate Student Pantry in their new home. A donation in any amount is appreciated, although we'll also be able to accept donations of non-perishable food at the conference! Please see the list below for requested items; if you are able to donate, we'll have a station waiting at the check-in desk. 

Non-Perishable Food:

  • Canned soups (low sodium preferred)
  • Dried soup mixes
  • Canned broths (chicken, beef, vegetable)
  • Dried/canned beans (kidney, black, garbanzo, lentils, etc.)
  • Dried spices (basil, oregano, cumin, garlic powder, etc.) 
  • Dry Pasta / Noodles
  • Jarred/canned pasta sauce
  • Canned tomatoes (roasted, diced, stewed, paste, etc.)
  • Jarred/canned vegetables (in water preferred)
  • Nut butters (peanut, almond, hazelnut, etc.)
  • Jam/Jelly
  • Bars - Nutrigrain, Kind, granola bars, etc.
  • Applesauce cups, pouches or cans.
  • Rice (brown rice preferred over white rice)
  • Crackers (Saltines, Wheat Thins, Ritz, etc.)
  • Dried/canned fruit (if canned, in 100% juice preferred)
  • Dried meats/jerky
  • Bread/cake mix 
  • Tea or Coffee
  • Shelf-stable milk
  • Cereal and/or granola

Toiletries/Personal Care:

  • Cough drops
  • Oral care items (toothbrush, paste, floss)
  • Sanitizer (travel or desk size)
  • Wipes (Clorox or similar cleaning type)
  • Menstrual care (pads, tampons, cups)
  • First aid kits (bandaids, ointment, alcohol wipes, gauze)
  • Toilet paper
  • Paper towels
  • Boxes of tissues
  • Diapers and wipes

The UC Davis GSA Graduate Pantry is one of the first food and resource pantries in the country specifically for graduate students, and it is believed to be the very first such resource in the State of California. Graduate students are often forgotten in basic needs discussions at both the campus and system-wide levels, and it’s hoped that creating some tailor-made resources for graduate students will bring more attention to the basic needs of graduate students, which often differ greatly from those of undergraduates. While graduate students are allowed to go to the ASUCD Pantry, it is understood that graduate students are often apprehensive to go, as they feel uncomfortable sharing such a vulnerable space with others who might be their students. The GSA Pantry provides comfortable, safe, free, and unlimited access to food and wellness resources.  More info about the GSA Pantry and other Basic Need Resources for Graduate Students can be found here.