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The Christopher and Julie Barnett
Essential Needs Hub

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Barnett Irvine Cherry Pantry

Services

The Cherry Pantry provides free access to nutritious food, hygiene items and essential resources for the Temple community. We are a client-choice pantry and a Healthy Pantry Initiative designated pantry, offering a variety of nutritious food options while allowing you to choose the items that best meet your needs and preferences. Students can access a variety of items, including nonperishable foods, fresh produce and personal care products.

Students on regional campuses can also access food support resources.

Fall 2026 Hours

Monday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Tuesday: 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
Wednesday: 10 a.m.–7 p.m.

Thursday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Check back for operating hours during academic breaks. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Cherry Pantry located? 

The Cherry Pantry is located in the Essential Needs Hub on the lower level of the Howard Gittis Student Center.

Who can access the pantry?

The Cherry Pantry serves everyone in the Temple community, including undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty and staff.

How does it work? 

Using our services is always free. The Cherry Pantry is a client-choice pantry and a Healthy Pantry Initiative designated pantry, offering a variety of nutritious food options while allowing you to choose the items that best meet your needs and preferences. Each member of the Temple community receives 16 points per week for nonperishable food, 2 hygiene products per week, and access to perishable items, like produce.

What should I bring with me?

Be sure to bring your OWLcard and a reusable shopping bag with you. 

Do I need to show ID or proof of income?

Please bring your OWLcard with you. No registration is required—our goal is to make accessing essential needs as easy and barrier-free as possible.

Can I volunteer?

Volunteer opportunities at the Essential Needs Hub will be available throughout the year. For students, please check Owl Connect to browse available volunteer shifts. For faculty and staff, please check the Owls for Philly channel in TUportal to browse available volunteer shifts. 

What types of food are available?

We offer a variety of nonperishable items such as canned goods, pasta, rice, soups and cereal. Perishable items like fresh produce, dairy, frozen meals and bread are also available, depending on supply. We also offer baby formula and diapers to support parenting students. Options may vary week to week based on donations and inventory.

Are hygiene products available?

Yes, hygiene products are available. We offer a range of items such as soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrushes, menstrual products and more. 

Please note: The Cherry Pantry operates on a self-assessed needs basis. Students are welcome to access the Pantry when they need support with food, hygiene items, or other essential resources. We recognize that students may experience changing circumstances throughout their time at Temple, and no additional documentation or proof of need is required to access services.