Pioneer Pantry
Pioneer Pantry at BC3
Food shouldn’t be a barrier to your education. The Pioneer Pantry offers free groceries, grab-and-go snacks, and emergency support—confidential and judgment-free.
Get the Food Support You Need
The Pioneer Pantry is BC3’s on-site food pantry, offering free groceries to
all students and employees. Whether you need a few staples to get through the week
or urgent food support, we’re here to help—confidentially and respectfully.
A recent survey found that 38% of BC3 students face food insecurity. We're meeting this need head-on with help from the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and our recognition as a Pennsylvania Hunger-Free Campus—a designation we first earned in 2022 and proudly renewed in 2025.
Pantry Details for Fall 2025
| Location | Building | Room | Dates | Days | Times |
|---|---|---|---|
| BC3 Main Campus | Arts & Hospitality Building Room 100 |
Aug. 25 – Dec. 12 | Wed. & Thurs. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
Pantry Myths, Busted
There are a lot of assumptions about food pantries. But the truth is, the Pioneer Pantry is a welcoming space for anyone who could use a little help. Here’s what’s myth and what’s fact.
- Myth: I shouldn’t visit the food pantry because it’s only for people who really need it.
FACT: Everyone needs a little help sometimes, and the pantry is here for everyone. Whether you just need an emergency food bag to get you through a tough month or plan to visit regularly while at BC3, we are here for you — our doors are always open to new and returning patrons. - Myth: The Pioneer Pantry only has canned food or things no one else wants to eat.
FACT: While we do have canned goods, we also offer fresh produce, milk, and a variety of meats and other items to choose from. - Myth: If I visit the pantry, people will think I’m lazy or not working hard enough.
FACT: Feelings of embarrassment or shame around food insecurity are common, but using the food pantry is a responsible way to manage your resources. It helps you stay focused on your goals and success — not your grocery bill. - Myth: The Pioneer Pantry is just for students.
FACT: If you’re part of the BC3 community — faculty, staff, or student — the Pioneer Pantry is for you. - Myth: I am at a BC3 location that’s not the main campus, so no one cares about me.
FACT: We care deeply about every member of the BC3 community. We do our best to offer grab-and-go items throughout the year at each location, along with holiday meal bags. If you have a need, please reach out — we’ll do everything we can to help.
Additional Food Resources
| Resource | Description / Purpose | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Find Food – Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank | Search by ZIP code to find nearby food pantries, distribution sites, and meal programs in Southwestern PA. | Go To Site |
| Northwest PA Food Bank – Agency Locator | Locate partner agencies and food distribution sites throughout Northwestern Pennsylvania. | Go To Site |
| Contact 211 – Food Programs & Benefits | Get connected to local food programs and government benefits by calling 211 or using the online locator. | Go To Site |
| Butler County Community Meals | View schedules for free community meals hosted by Butler County churches and organizations. | Go To Site |
Grab & Go Stations
Grab & Go Stations are stocked with easy-access snacks and essentials you can take with you. Just stop by during regular business hours on BC3 Main Campus in the Pantry and KEYS Office or at any BC3 location.
Special Distributions
The Pantry offers holiday and event-based food boxes throughout the year. Information will be available here or at our locations.
Need Food Now or Offsite?
If you’re facing a food emergency or can’t make it to the pantry, help is an email away. Students at other BC3 locations or outside Butler County can request support. Emergency Food Bags are available anytime.
Ways to Support the Pantry
- Give online—select “Pioneer Pantry”
- Donate through PayPal or credit card—just note "Pioneer Pantry"
- Contact the BC3 Education Foundation for other giving options
Buy pantry staples or seasonal items directly—your order ships straight to BC3.
Drop off non-expired, shelf-stable food at any of these locations on BC3 Main Campus:
- Administration Building (copier hallway)
- Arts & Hospitality Building (near Children’s Creative Learning Center)
- Business & Health Building (nursing lounge & IT entrance)
- Heaton Family Learning Commons (level 2 lobby)
- Humanities & Education Building (lobby)
- Public Safety Building (lobby)
- Science & Technology Building (near Steffler Board Room)
- Student Success Center (KEYS Office & Bookstore)
Need help dropping off?
Email foodpantry@bc3.edu to schedule a pickup or delivery.
Volunteers keep the pantry running.
Interested? Email us at foodpantry@bc3.edu to learn more.
Proud to Be A Hunger-Free Campus
BC3 was among the first colleges to earn this statewide designation. We continue to lead efforts to reduce student hunger through expanded access and outreach. In 2024, we received a $20,000 Hunger-Free Campus Grant to expand our services to more locations across western Pennsylvania.
