In early April, the Cavalier Food Pantry ventured into a new era of service on Grounds, marked by a move to the Student Health and Wellness building and an endowment from the University’s Basic Needs Support Fund. SHW became the pantry’s primary location at the start of this semester, while the original Newcomb Hall location continues to operate as a satellite space, offering shelf-stable and reapportioned items.
CFP is also in the process of endowing the pantry through the Basic Needs Support Fund, the first $3 million of which will be set aside specifically for the pantry once it is raised.
Following the move to SHW, the pantry is now ADA-accessible and has increased storage capacity. Now, CFP will conduct restocking and backstocking operations from a dedicated space in SHW, while continuing to provide services from the Newbomb Hall location. The pantry’s team explained that the move was a natural step forward for the organization and its continued collaboration with the University.
Nicole Pierce, Basic Needs coordinator at SHW, who oversees a program designed to meet students’ basic needs and collaborates closely with the pantry, shared that the relocation has significantly increased the number of visitors they see. In the 2024-2025 academic year, the pantry reported having upwards of 10,000 visits.
“Since officially opening the space at the beginning of the Fall 2025 semester, we have more than doubled our visit numbers month to month with some months getting close to triple the number of total visits (and unique visitors) compared to 2024,” Pierce said.
Pierce’s position was created in 2022 to facilitate the expansion of programs in food security, emergency financial aid and other resources the University regards as basic needs. Her role is a major part of a larger partnership between the pantry and Care and Support Services — a non-clinical resource intended to support students. Pierce said that the pantry’s move aligned with CASS’s transition to SHW.
The pantry is still largely student-run, by a leadership committee of 11 student leaders. Cary Jalali, CFP Student Committee Executive Director and third-year College and Batten student, said that the shift to SHW also supports the broader goals of the pantry.
“The new space feels much more like a market than a traditional food pantry, which makes the experience more comfortable and familiar,” Jalali said. “That shift alone helps reduce stigma; students can walk in and shop for what they need in an environment that feels welcoming and integrated with other wellness services.”
Pierce explained that SHW staff have joined the effort, making sure students are aware of what the pantry provides and how they can access it. The pantry now offers its services alongside the other wellness centers at SHW. The CFP team attributes the increase in visits to this structural change.
Daniel McCain, CFP Head of Marketing and third-year College student, said that such destigmatization is a key goal in pursuit of the pantry’s mission. His role is tasked with raising awareness, improving understanding and organizing larger marketing events.
“It’s been gratifying to know that I’m part of an incredible team whose impact extends far beyond us,” McCain said. “It’s rewarding to know that we’re changing the culture of U.Va. a bit and doing our best to destigmatize asking for help while providing food to those who need it.”
Danielle D’Andrea, associate director of marketing and communications at SHW, has collaborated with McCain and the CFP and noted that these partnerships are just another facet of the ties between CFP, CASS and SHW. D’Andrea works to complement the pantry’s own initiatives by providing educational content for students which focuses on available resources at the pantry, and said that the partnership allows the pantry to reach more students in a supportive way.
Relocation was not the only major development for CFP in recent months. CFP is set to receive funding from the University through the Basic Needs Support Fund. Pierce described the plan, which comes from Christopher Holstege, senior associate vice president of Student Health and Wellness. The endowment will provide sustainable funding for critical needs such as food insecurity, clothing, medication, housing and other support services, although the first $3 million raised will be set aside specifically for the pantry.
While CFP is in the process of undergoing a variety of changes and advancements, student leaders like Jalali remain focused on the mission at the core of the organization.
“Seeing my peers directly benefit from our services has been incredibly meaningful,” Jalali said. “Knowing that our work helps reduce food insecurity at U.Va., so that even one more person doesn’t have to worry about going hungry and can focus on being a student, means everything to me.”
Read More
Virginia finally beats Virginia Tech, and it means everything — including ACC title berth
By Ben McNiff | 16 hours agoIt’s hard to say there has ever been more on the line for Virginia football than what this program fought for and won Saturday night.
U.Va. Speaking Center is back and offering free speaking resources for students
By Melody Yuan | YesterdayStudents can receive one-on-one speaking consultations, participate in workshops and attend speaker events for the Center
Tony Elliott has one word for Virginia football — ‘Finish’
By Theo Moll | Yesterday“We have to carry the burden of what hasn't been done in the past and we’ve got an opportunity to change the future,” Elliott said.
