Basic Needs Resource Center
We know students struggle when their basic needs aren't being met.
A large population of college students stress about finding their next meal, a place to sleep, or keeping up with hygiene needs. If this is you, you’re not alone. OSU has a wide range of partnerships, pantries, and resources to help students meet their basic needs.
- Pete's Pantry: If you're stressed about food or you're in need of personal products, please visit Pete's Pantry located in the Student Union basement in room 042. All you will need is your OSU ID.
- SGA Student STACHE Network: This is a student-run initiative that advocates for reducing the amount of food insecurity across our campus and meeting the basic needs of the campus community. The donated items include but are not limited to non-perishable food items, canned food goods, clothing items, and basic needs items.
- Our Daily Bread Mobile Market: Visit ODB while they are at the Family Resource Center for your food and resource needs. Follow Leadership & Campus Life's social media (@osucampuslife) to stay up to date on upcoming on-campus mobile markets. Participants will need to bring their OSU ID.
- OSU Night: OSU Night at Our Daily Bread is open for OSU students, faculty and staff to get free groceries. All you need is your OSU ID.
- Pete's Eats: Do you or someone you know need a free meal? Please join Pete's Eats to request information on free food opportunities. This group is anonymous and free for students.
- First United Methodist Church of Stillwater
- Saturday Community Brunch at First Presbyterian Church
- University Nutrition Services: University Health Services offers nutrition counseling for OSU students, faculty, and staff. Nutrition counseling examines individual eating habits and their relationship to health and disease. A registered and licensed dietitian will assist you in the development of a practical meal plan to meet your specific dietary needs.
- The Trough: Located near 206 Animal Science, is stocked with ready-to-eat snacks, drinks, and personal care products.
- "Forgot Your Lunch?" Program: This food pantry is based in the Life Science East building within the Microbiology & Molecular Genetics department and is located in room 309.
- Greenwood School of Music Food Resource Center: Need a few items for cooking at home or just grabbing a meal on the go? Located in the Seretean Center for the Performing Arts Room 125G, this center provides quick meal options, snacks, and hygiene products.
- The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the largest federal nutrition assistance program. SNAP provides benefits to eligible individuals and families via
an Electronic Benefits Transfer card. This card can be used like a debit card to purchase
eligible food in authorized retail food stores.
- For more information on requirements and how you can apply, please visit: Our Daily Bread or Oklahoma Department of Human Services.
- Staff members in Student Support and Conduct, Leadership and Campus Life, and the LASSO Center can assist you in filling out the application
Emergency Funds:
- Cowboy Strong Emergency Funds provide financial support to students experiencing an unforeseen hardship that could impact their ability to remain enrolled in school. Financial assistance is available here for immediate and current emergency situations.
- Student Veteran Emergency Fund: If a student veteran experiences unforeseen financial difficulties this fund may be able to help. For assistance, please the link above or contact the Office of Student Veteran Success at (405) 744-9737.
Former Foster Youth:
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Daybreak Fund: The Daybreak Fund provides financial support for students encountering unexpected expenses (e.g. medical, living expenses, emergencies, or academic needs). This resource is available to students who are former foster youth attending Oklahoma State University. To apply for funding, contact Kathryn Gage, Executive Director for Student Affairs, at kathryn.gage@okstate.edu or (405) 744-5328.
Employment:
- If you are looking for employment, check out Hire OSU Grads for current job opportunities on and off campus.
- For more information about part-time jobs through dining, please visit this link. University Dining Services offers a flexible schedule, competitive wage and meal vouchers for each shift worked.
Families:
- Family Resource Center: The Family Resource Center, located at 719 North Walnut, offers assistance to families and campus residents as they get settled on campus in the Stillwater Area. It is open to ALL students, including families. Programs that are offered at the FRC include adult programming, youth and family programming, academic programming, lending programs, English classes, referral services, and a shopping shuttle.
- The BabyMobile: The BabyMobile is a mobile formula, food, and diaper pantry, provides assistance to children from birth through age three. Text the word “BabyMobile” to 484848 to receive the current BabyMobile schedule.
- Community Nutrition Education Programs (CNEP) offers multiple programs with research-based lessons involving hands-on learning experiences.
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If you have children enrolled in Stillwater Public Schools, the Stillwater Schools Social Work is available to provide additional resources. You can contact Diana Nolan at 580-747-3686 for more information.
Housing & Food:
- PCYS Transitional Living Program: Dedicated to providing free quality services for the positive development and recovery of youth and families. Services include: Case Management, GLBTQ2S Services, Counseling, Transitional Housing, Independent Living Housing, Job Assistance, Incentives, Life Skills, On-Call Crisis Support (up to age 22).
- Stillwater Community Action Agency: (405) 624-2533 | Helps low-income individuals and families avoid crisis situations. We assist in first meeting emergency needs, and then follow-up in helping individuals and families gain self-sufficiency through supportive case management and partnerships with other social services providers in the area.
- Mission of Hope: Mission of Hope specializes in programs to assist homeless individuals and families. By providing supportive housing, food, comprehensive case management, and life skills training, Mission of Hope works toward helping people become self-sufficient.
Clothing:
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The Student Government Association (SGA) has coats for all sizes from kids to adults. (405) 744-6500 | 211 Student Union.
Legal Services:
- SGA offers appointments with an attorney free for students. Sign up at the Leadership & Campus Life front desk (211 Student Union).
Transportation:
- OSU Transit offers bus routes throughout Stillwater free for OSU students, faculty, and staff.
- Orange Ride: Orange Ride is a bicycle rental program being offered to promote affordable and convenient transportation to the campus and Stillwater community.
- Big Orange Bus (BOB) Shuttle: The BOB operates when school is in session during the normal spring and fall semesters with a limited schedule during the Summer semester.
Health Services:
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University Health Services (UHS): 1202 W. Farm Road | (405) 744-7665 | Medical and psychiatric care. Fees vary. Health insurance is accepted. Keep in mind getting your prescription through UHS is generally cheaper, and can be purchased with your bursar.
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Payne County Health Department: (405) 372-8200 | Public Health Department offering STD services, family planning, Plan B, birth control options, etc. provided by appointment, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, M-F, or without an appointment during regular walk-in hours. If you are experiencing symptoms and cannot make it to clinic during walk-in hours, please call to make an appointment, so that you can be seen as soon as possible.
- You can help by donating to the OSU Foundation's Food Insecurity Fund. If you would rather donate your time or canned food, please visit Our Daily Bread's site.
- Cowboy Strong Emergency Fund: For more information, please contact the OSU Student Affairs office.