The Nest Student Food Pantry

Any currently enrolled OCC student.

As often as needed. We’re here to support you throughout the semester.

No. All items at The Nest are free for students.

Food Donation Collection Policy 

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all food and supply donations collected  for the Oakland Community College (OCC) Food Pantry are safe, high-quality, and  handled in a manner that protects the health, dignity, and well-being of students  served by the pantry. This policy supports OCC’s mission to promote equity, access, and student success by addressing students’ basic needs.

Definitions

• Non-Perishable Food: Items that do not require refrigeration and remain shelf-stable for at least six months.
• Donation Drive: A coordinated collection of food or supplies hosted by an OCC department, student organization, or external partner.
• Personal Care Items: Non-food hygiene or cleaning products supplied to support student well-being.

Acceptable Donation Items

All items must be new, unopened, and in good condition, with clear ingredient labels and expiration or best before date. 

Food Items
Please note: This is not an exhaustive list; additional shelf‑stable, non‑perishable  items may be accepted if they meet OCC safety and quality standards.

• Shelf-stable, non-perishable items (canned goods, boxed meals, pasta, rice, beans, soups).
• Nutritious snacks (granola bars, trail mix, nuts, crackers).
• Breakfast items (instant oatmeal, cereal, breakfast bars).
• Baking items (flour, sugar, cooking oil, spices).
• Canned or packaged proteins (tuna, chicken, peanut butter, beans).
• Canned fruits and vegetables.
• Shelf-stable beverages (juice boxes, powdered drink mixes).

Personal Care Items

• Hygiene products (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, menstrual products).
• Cleaning supplies (disinfectant wipes, dish soap).
• Paper goods (toilet paper, paper towels).

Items Not Accepted

For safety and storage reasons, the OCC Food Pantry does not accept:

• Opened, damaged, leaking, or repackaged items
• Homemade food
• Items requiring refrigeration or freezing
• Perishable foods (fresh produce, dairy, meat, eggs), unless preapproved for a special event
• Expired food items beyond their "best by" or "use by" dates
• Alcohol, energy drinks, or CBD/THC products
• Medications, supplements, or vitamins
• Sharp items (razors, knives) without original packaging
• Products lacking ingredient labels (due to allergy safety concerns)

Unattended or unscheduled drop-offs may be discarded for safety reasons.

Donation Quality & Safety Requirements

All donations must meet the following safety standards:

• Packaging must be intact, sealed, and free from contamination
• Cans must be free of dents along seams or rims
• No rust, bulging, or swelling on canned goods
• Boxes must be clean, dry, and unopened
• Hygiene items must be unused and in original packaging
• Food items must include clear, readable ingredient and allergen labels
• Items should be culturally inclusive whenever possible

Pantry staff or volunteers reserve the right to decline or dispose of any donation that  does not meet these standards.

Drop-Off Procedures

Donors should:

1. Deliver items only to approved, designated campus drop-off locations.
2. Schedule donations or drives in advance with The Nest staff.
3. Ensure items are transported safely and cleanly.

Campus addresses, hours of operation, and contact information will be publicly  posted and updated as needed.

Large-Scale Drives & Community Partners

Departments, student organizations, and external partners may conduct donation  drives on behalf of OCC Food Pantry. All drives must:

• Be coordinated with pantry staff prior to advertising or collecting items
• Follow OCC’s promotional and branding guidelines
• Use the approved list of accepted items
• Arrange delivery or pickup with pantry staff

Each OCC campus pantry may establish additional guidelines based on storage  capacity and safety needs.

Sorting & Storage of Donations

Pantry staff and volunteers will:

• Inspect all donations to ensure compliance with safety and quality guidelines
• Sort items by type and expiration date
• Store items according to health and safety standards
• Properly dispose of unsafe, expired, or unusable items

Donor Acknowledgment

OCC may provide acknowledgment letters or receipts upon request. Donors are  responsible for determining the tax value of their contributions; OCC does not  assign monetary values to donated items.

Policy Compliance

Failure to comply with this policy may result in donation refusal or loss of eligibility  to host future drives. OCC reserves the right to update this policy at any time to maintain safety, compliance, and operational effectiveness. 

Yes! Monetary gifts are welcome and help us restock high-demand items. Make a secure donation.

Students, staff and community members are welcome to volunteer. Complete the  Volunteer Interest Form - Office of Institutional Standards and Practices 

Any currently enrolled OCC student who is experiencing food insecurity qualify for the services.  All you need to use the Nest is your Student ID card.