Pantry University
In 2003, the Greater Chicago Food Depository piloted Pantry University to give our member agencies an outlet for specialized education and support. By June 2004, on National Hunger Awareness Day, Pantry University was officially established in our new food bank and training center.
Together, Pantry University agency directors and Food Depository staff formulate methods to assist and reinforce our member agencies and the neighborhoods they serve.
Client workshops and classes range from food safety and sanitation, nutrition, fundraising, grant writing, creating and maintaining budgets to operational best practices. All classes are taught by Food Depository staff, agency representatives and skilled practitioners who are knowledgeable in their topic areas.
The Food Depository program has seen more than 1,300 staff and volunteers representing approximately two-thirds of our member agencies attend Pantry University classes since the program’s inception. More than 300 of those students have received food handling certification through Pantry University, with 90 percent of those students having passed the state-issued exam. Pantry University is approved by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training to award Continuing Education Units for qualifying classes.
Member agencies seeking additional Pantry University information should visit the Member Agencies section.
Pantry University contact
For more information on college or graduate credits, or another aspect of Pantry University, contact DonElla Bradford at 773-843-2744.
