Retriever Essentials is an initiative that through the collective (students, staff, and faculty), has continued to address food insecurity in our UMBC community! We as a collective would not be able to do the work we do without donations, as this has been the main source of funding to continue our program.
See this message about Retriever Essentials needs:
This semester has presented unforeseen challenges as we have seen a greater need for Retriever Essentials, and thus, a lack of food. To put it simply, our shelves are almost bare.
We welcome, encourage, and need your food & toiletry donations to support those in our UMBC community who need them!
- Donate on the Amazon Wishlist here:
- Drop off non-perishable food that are not expired in the bins at:
- 1st floor of Admin Building
- The large boxes in Commons, next to the main desk
- AOK Library atrium
- UMBC Campus Police Station
- OCA Mocha (please note: this bin is difficult for our volunteers to access; please prioritize other bins if possible)
- Just outside of Sherman Hall Room 205
- Donate money here & designate your donation to Retriever Essentials:
Red Zone: Highest need
- Ready-to-eat meals
- Basmati Rice
- Chana Dal
- Maggi Noodles
- Tea Biscuits
- Granola Bars & Protein Bars
- Spices
Orange Zone: Medium need
- Shelf-stable milk
- Snacks
- Vegetarian soups
We do not accept
- Heavily dented, damaged, or open packaging
- Expired food
We currently cannot accept items that are not on the above list.
To donate perishable foods, please visit The Essential Space during open hours. We accept all perishable foods! Please contact us first if you are planning to bring a large quantity.