The Western Hub of Living Essentials (WHOLE), serves as a resource to students who are unable to secure basic needs. WHOLE strives to offer perishable and nonperishable food, personal care items (shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc.), clothing and other basic necessities.
According to a recent study done at Western, four in ten (4 in 10) students go hungry every 30 days. "The WHOLE...has genuinely saved me from hunger most nights many times" - Western student quoted from Instagram in February, 2024
In the Associated Students, we care about the academic success of our students, and we recognize that students will not be able to focus and be successful in class if they are worried about where their next meal will come from and/or are hungry. We work to support students by stocking the food pantry with many options to be inclusive of all dietary needs, as well as hygiene products. The pantry provides instant meal options, vegan/vegetarian options, gluten free options, and other healthy perishable and non-perishable foods. Additionally, we have been partnering with local grocers and organizations including Trader Joe's for weekly donations and the Bellingham Food Bank for purchases through the Food Lifeline program. Food is stocked three days a week with these donations and purchases.
WHOLE, located in the Viking Union, operates as a drop-in pantry, where students can grab items from the pantry, and it is accessible whenever the Viking Union is open.
The WHOLE is accessed frequently by students - roughly 500 per week - and continues to grow as the needs of our students have also increased. Your donation will allow us to continue to serve our students who are facing basic needs insecurity. Thank you for your consideration!