The Knights Helping Knights Pantry began from a class project in a first-year LEAD Scholars course in 2009. UCF students wanted to create a food pantry where fellow students would have access to free necessities if they fell on hard times. This grassroots initiative strived to ensure that UCF students would not have to choose between buying textbooks or buying groceries. Since its inception, the Knights Helping Knights Pantry has expanded from a closet at the Student Union to its own suite located in Ferrell Commons. Currently, the Knights Helping Knights Pantry is supported by the Student Union and funded by the Student Government Association and generous community donors.
From the beginning, our goal has been to help students. We do our best to do so every day with the help of so many campus partners. The UCF community continues to unite in support of our efforts through hosting food drives, volunteering at the Pantry, and donating to support our continuing operations.
The Knights Helping Knights Pantry is committed to serving UCF students by providing basic needs including food, clothing, and personal hygiene items to foster continued academic success and increase retention for students in need.
UCF students with a valid UCF ID can check-out items once per day and are typically able to take 5 food items per day. Toiletries, home goods, school supplies, bread/bakery, and clothing are available in limited supply. Item limits change due to semester breaks and disaster response & will be posted on site as needed.
We offer fresh produce from on and off campus partners, pastries from local supermarkets, shelf-stable food, frozen food, refrigerated food, new dietary restriction items, casual clothing, professional clothing, school supplies, and household items
It is estimated that around 35% of students struggle to some degree with food insecurity, limiting their access to affordable food and necessities. At least 15% of individuals that use the Knights Helping Knights Pantry additionally have a dietary restriction further complicating access to food. KHKP is proud of our partnerships that aid in stocking our dietary restriction section which provides food specific items for students with food allergies, diabetes, celiac disease, and additional restrictions. Our goal is to guarantee every single student has access to the items they are in need of to reach their goals here at UCF.
Student Care Services
Student Care Services provides one-on-one support, including guidance, resources, and referrals when UCF students are experiencing significant difficulties related to mental health, physical health, personal and family emergencies, financial issues or other areas of concern.
Wellness & Health Promotion Services (WHPS)
Wellness & Health Promotion Services (WHPS) offers a wide variety of services and programs aimed at helping all UCF students be healthy knights! We promote healthy lifestyle habits associated with higher academic performance.
The Knights Pantry operates when school is in session. During break periods, holidays, and game days we are closed. Click off-campus hyperlink above to see all the local food pantries to assist you.
Branch pantries are present on the following UCF campuses: Daytona Beach, Cocoa, Sanford-Lake Mary, Lake Nona, Downtown, Rosen.