There are no barriers at the Western Hub of Living Essentials (WHOLE) pantry. The space is open every day, and the door is always unlocked and open for students to walk right in.
This no-questions-asked approach reflects the pantry’s core philosophy: remove as many obstacles as possible between students and the food that they need.
Even though federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits were reinstated Nov. 12, when the government shutdown ended, the disruption highlighted how dependent many students are on these programs — and how fragile access to food can be.
At Western Washington University, this vulnerability is evident in the day-to-day operations of the WHOLE pantry and the Basic Needs Hub.
In early November, when federal SNAP funding froze, food access tightened overnight. Many recipients were left unsure about if or when their November funds would arrive.
These concerns came on top of new federal work requirements and stricter eligibility rules that went into effect in July 2025.
“All of this adds up to more restrictions to enrollment and, potentially, less money available,” said Gigi Berardi, a Western professor who researches food systems and community vulnerabilities, via email.
Even short-term uncertainty was enough to send students searching for support.
“We’re seeing more and more students coming into the Hub because they’re very stressed out and very worried,” said Gina Ebbeling, Western’s Basic Needs Resource Navigator.
The sense of stress Ebbeling observed was quantified in the WHOLE pantry’s service numbers.
“Last academic year, we served an average of 600 students a week. That’s increased to around 2,000 students a week,” WHOLE pantry coordinator Tulea Enochs said. “The week that SNAP was cut off, we saw 2,400 students.”
To help fill the gap, the Basic Needs Hub distributed grocery gift cards to students whose SNAP benefits didn’t arrive. At the same time, the Western Foundation raised over $10,000 in emergency donor funds to help meet the increased need.
Beginning this fall, a new $4.50 per-quarter food security fee went into effect for students, providing steady funding for the WHOLE pantry’s operations. The fee is up for renewal this spring.
Despite the overwhelming need, many students still don’t know where or how to access available resources.
“Around 45% of Western students experience basic needs insecurities, and we’re only serving 14% at the pantry,” Enochs said.
Berardi says this disconnect reflects long-standing issues around awareness that can often act as a barrier between students and getting the help that they need.
“Visibility of these programs can be a problem,” Berardi said. “Promotion and marketing need to be addressed.”
The lack of awareness can mean the difference between students getting support early before a crisis hits or going without.
To make access easier, the WHOLE pantry intentionally keeps its process as simple as possible.
“All you have to do is come into the Viking Union, floor four, room 435, and just come in. That’s it. There’s no restrictions,” Enochs said.
Students can take what they need, from fresh produce to shelf-stable staples, and visit as often as necessary.
The pantry is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.
For students who need more than food, such as housing assistance, financial guidance and support or help navigating benefits, the Basic Needs Hub offers appointments with Ebbeling, which can be booked through the Hub’s website.
Students at Western who need support or want to contribute can participate in the Basic Needs Hub’s Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week events. The roster included a “Pack the Pantry” donation event on Nov. 18, “True North: Stories that Guide Us,” a storytelling event on Nov. 19 and concludes with the “Free Kitchen Flea Market and Resource Fair” on Nov. 21.
For more information on these events and on basic needs support, visit the Basic Needs Hub website.
Ellie Wright is a second-year at Western studying News/Editorial Journalism and Political Science. As a reporter for The Front, she writes about campus news. When she’s not chasing stories, she enjoys reading, hiking, and taking care of her houseplants. You can reach her at ellie.thefront@gmail.com.
