Posted 8 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025
Campus food pantry, clothing closet available to those in need
As winter sets in, a good meal and warm clothes can make all the difference.
That’s why UW-La Crosse offers a campus food pantry and clothing closet where students can stock up on essential items.
The UWL Food Pantry, located in The COVE (Student Union room 2220), provides a wide range of nonperishable food items and hygiene products, and is open every day of the week, with limited hours on weekends. Check the website for exact hours.
To access the pantry, students can complete a registration form through MyOrgs, and access will be granted to their Eagle ID card in two or three business days. Students can request immediate access to the pantry at The COVE front desk.
Those interested in donating can drop off items at The COVE front desk. The pantry is currently in need of:
- Peanut butter and jelly
- Pasta and sauce
- Microwavable meals
- Canned Soup
- Gluten-free items
- Hygiene products
Amanda Krafft, program coordinator for Community Engagement & Belonging, says she is grateful to the Hunger Task Force of La Crosse and various campus offices and departments for helping to keep the pantry shelves stocked.
“Supporting the food pantry is about looking out for each other,” she says. “When we come together as a campus community, we make sure every Eagle feels cared for and has what they need to thrive.”
She encourages all students, faculty and staff who could use support to take what they need and give when they can.
Elsewhere on campus, the Campus Thread is UWL’s free clothing closet — offering gently used jackets, hats, gloves, pants, blazers, shirts, dresses, UWL apparel and more.
Casual clothing can be found at the Campus Thread location in the Center for Civil Dialogue & Civic Engagement (Centennial Hall room 1120), while career clothing can be found at the location in Career Services (1209 Centennial Hall).
Both locations are open Monday through Friday, or by appointment. Check the website for exact hours.
Laundered donations can be delivered to the Center for Civil Dialogue & Civic Engagement (CDCE) during regular hours of operation.
“Sometimes it’s the little things like a last-minute tie for an interview, a blazer for an internship, a cozy sweater or a warm hat,” says Ashley Nowak, CDCE director. “We recognize that every small act of support adds up and plays a meaningful role in helping students succeed across campus.”
Caleb Colon-Rivera, CDCE project manager, says the Campus Thread saw a considerable increase in donations last year — a trend he hopes will continue.
"Thank you to everyone who donates to Campus Thread," he says. "Your generosity keeps our students warm, confident and connected.”
Additional campus/community resources: