UNO’s Maverick Food Pantry and the Power of Community

Nestled in the heart of the Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center (CEC), the Maverick Food Pantry (MFP) embodies the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s (UNO) culture of caring by providing resources to campus and community members experiencing food insecurity. The pantry feeds more than stomachs; it nourishes the success and well-being of everyone who passes through its doors.

Between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, the Maverick Food Pantry distributed more than 8,000 bags to individuals from UNO, the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), and the College of Saint Mary, supporting more than 1,200 guests during that time. Guided by the motto, “When you need it, take it. When you have it, give it,” the pantry serves as a lifeline for students, faculty, and staff.

Thanks to generous partnerships with Food Bank for the Heartland, Heartland Kids Against Hunger, the Nebraska Diaper Bank, Tri-Faith’s Unity Garden, Whispering Roots, UNO Dining Services, Sodexo, and others, the Maverick Food Pantry provides food packages that include at least ten essential items. In addition to food staples, the pantry also offers baking and cooking supplies, toiletries, personal hygiene products, and free diapers for those who need them.

“No one should have to face hunger alone. The MFP’s work is a true community effort! Each partnership, donation, and volunteer hour is a testament that Mavericks take care of Mavericks. We believe that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness,” said Madeline St. Clair, assistant director of basic needs and innovation for Durango's Advancement and Support Hub (DASH).

Get the Support You Need

Food insecurity can affect anyone. For many, reaching out for help can feel daunting, but no one has to face it alone. Getting a food package or other resources from the Maverick Food Pantry is simple. Guests can place two orders per week, with both requests submitted and picked up at the same time. They can choose to shop inside the pantry, located in 106 CEC, pick up a pre-packed customized order, or use the curbside option.

Learn more about placing an order

For the upcoming Thanksgiving Break, the pantry will host “Hunger Doesn’t Take Breaks” so individuals can receive holiday-themed items. Pantry partner Whispering Roots will also provide 150-200 individually packaged items.

Individuals can stop at the pantry between Nov. 24-26 to receive these items. Items will be served on a first come first served basis, and there will not be any early sign-ups or deadlines. Make sure to stop by before the pantry closes on Wednesday, Nov. 26.

Mavericks in Action

The success of the Maverick Food Pantry depends on strong community partnerships and the generosity of those who donate or volunteer their time. Together, these efforts keep shelves stocked and demonstrate the care and commitment that define the Maverick community.

As part of Homecoming Week 2025, the Office of Spirit, Tradition, and Signature Events hosted a “Reverse Trick or Treat” event. On the final day of Homecoming, staff members made their way across campus collecting donations of nonperishable foods, canned meat, rice, toiletries, and more. Those who donated were treated to Halloween candy in return. By the end of the drive, more than 7,000 items had been collected for the Maverick Food Pantry. Other events and campus donation drives are in the works for November and December.

Additional Information

For questions about the pantry, please email unomavfoodpantry@unomaha.edu.

If you are facing any other basic needs insecurity, please email Durango's Advancement and Support Hub (DASH) at unodash@unomaha.edu.

Learn more about how to use the Maverick Food Pantry

Explore other local resources

Impacts to November SNAP Benefits

What Pantry Guests Have Said

Guests of the pantry have shared how it has made a difference in their lives:

• “When I didn’t know where else to turn, the pantry was there for me. Walking in, I felt nervous and a little ashamed, but they greeted me with warmth and treated me with respect. It meant so much to have access to food and hygiene items when I was struggling just to make ends meet. It wasn’t just the groceries that helped — it was the sense that someone cared. I’ll never forget the kindness I experienced there, and I’m so grateful for the support they gave me when I needed it most.”

• “The MFP has allowed for me to not worry what my next meal will be. I don’t have to work extra hours and fall behind on school because I can’t afford these needs.”

• “The Maverick Food Pantry has let me stop worrying about trying to find the time and money for buying food and let me focus on school, my friends, and myself. It lifts a big weight off my shoulders.”

• “If the food pantry didn’t exist, I honestly don’t know what I would have done. I would have had to skip meals just to get by. The pantry helped relieve some of that pressure, and without it, things would have been much harder — physically, emotionally, and financially.”

• “The MFP has amazingly kind and caring individuals working there and it has made my life a lot better. It has made a tremendous impact on my health because I have a disability and they offer curbside pickup for the days I am struggling physically and financially.”