Brooke Barber

Director of Orientation, Leadership, and Service

Students who eat nutritiously are better able to persist in their academic journey.

That is the philosophy behind Benny’s Pantry, an on-campus emergency food pantry inspired by First Lady of ISU, Dr. Laura Vailas, and created as a program within the Division of Student Affairs. 

Students sometimes have to make difficult choices when it comes to their educational and life expenses.

Many ISU students also have their own children to feed on a daily basis.

It is the desire of the Division of Student Affairs that any person in the ISU community experiencing food insecurity would have a dignified and accessible means of food support.

Since opening in Pocatello in 2014, Benny’s Pantry has now expanded to a second location in Idaho Falls, and distributes nearly 8,000 pounds of food per year to the ISU community. 

Anyone with an active Bengal card may visit the pantry two times per month, without financial questions, and shop for free food using a household size shopping guide. 

The food within Benny’s Pantry is not purchased using student tuition or fees.

Instead, all food is donated or is purchased through financial gifts given by donors directly to the pantry. 

Benny’s Pantry is managed by the staff of the Office of Student Involvement & Orientation and is highly supported by student volunteers. 

Are you interested in volunteering with Benny’s Pantry? Stop by and see us at the Involvement Fair on August 23 and sign-up for volunteer training.  You may also visit isu.edu/pantry for our  volunteer interest form.

Are you interested in shopping at Benny’s Pantry? Are you interested in donating to Benny’s Pantry? Visit isu.edu/pantry for shopping hours and donation information.