VANCOUVER, WA – The Cougar Food Pantry on the Washington State University Vancover campus was expanded in spring 2025 to address what officials describe as an increasing demand for food assistance. University data from the most recent end-of-year report showed that more than 40 percent of the student body accessed pantry services during the academic year and shopping visits increased by 89% from the 2024/25 to the 2025/26 academic year, going from 1,539 visits to 2,923 visits.
In response, Washington State University Vancouver has officially been approved as a partner agency within the Clark County Food Bank network, marking a significant expansion of support for students experiencing food insecurity.
The Clark County Food Bank serves as a central hub for food distribution throughout the region, connecting partner agencies to resources that strengthen local food systems. By joining this network, WSU Vancouver aligns its student support efforts with a broader community strategy to reduce food insecurity.
“These numbers reflect what we see every day—students are working hard to balance school, work and life, and many are struggling to meet basic needs,” said Esmeralda De Jesus Castaneda, the student Cougar Food Pantry lead. “Being part of the Clark County Food Bank network will help us provide more consistent support, so students don’t have to choose between food and their education.”
Access to the Clark County Food Bank network will allow the Cougar Food Pantry to increase the volume and consistency of available food while reducing operating costs. The reduction in food costs will create greater flexibility to expand available pantry offerings while allowing the program to scale services to meet rising student demand.
“This partnership is about more than food—it’s about ensuring students have the resources they need to focus on learning and achieving their goals,” Basic Needs Navigator Carmen Herrera said. “By joining the Clark County Food Bank network, we are expanding our capacity to serve students while continuing to build a campus where they feel supported and can thrive.”
More about:
Dining and Cooking