Husky Harvest Updates/Wish List

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Husky Harvest logo

HOW YOU CAN ASSIST THE PANTRY

PANTRY IS IN NEED OF THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:

Canned goods, tuna, peanut butter, soups, and canned vegetables. Home basics such as toilet paper, dish detergent, and clothes detergent. Toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, and toothpaste. All food needs to be nonperishable.

Why toiletries & home basics? Toiletries and home basics are frequently requested and these items are not available from food banks/local businesses that supply the pantry.

DONATION DROP-OFF LOCATIONS

Please do not drop off at the pantry. Donation items can only be accepted at the following locations.

  • UConn Dining Commissary: 30 Gurleyville Rd, Storrs (M-F; 6am-4pm)
  • Student Union Food Court (lower level): Look for the bright green drop-off box on a counter that looks out to the outdoor patio (Student Union hours)
  • UConn Dining Main Office: Towers Residence Halls – Wade Building, 3384 Towers Loop Rd, Storrs
    (M-F; 8am-5pm) - a donation box is available in the lobby

If you need more assistance/direction on how to get to these locations, please contact us via our online form.

    OTHER WAYS YOU CAN HELP

    • Reusable Grocery Bags - The pantry is always in need of reusable grocery bags. Please consider donating new or gently used (stain-free) bags.
    • Monetary Donations - If you would like to support the Storrs Husky Harvest food pantry with a monetary donation, please visit the UConn Foundation  foundation.uconn.edu/fund/uconn-storrs-campus-food-insecurity-fund
    • Volunteers - At this time volunteers are not needed.
    • Run Your Own Donation Drive: Clubs, orgs, and offices on campus have run their own drive and donated to Husky Harvest. We ask that you only collect the needed supplies above. Please reach out to us via our online form if you have a large amount of donations that need to be picked up.

    ADDITIONAL PANTRY INFO/UPDATES

    HOURS DURING FALL & SPRING SEMESTERS

    Open Tuesdays & Thursdays from 11am-4pm

    LOCATION

    Charter Oak Apartments Community Center
    916 Tower Court Road, Storrs, CT 06268

    Accessible via the UConn Blue Line - bus stop is across the street from the pantry

    A few designated parking spots are available for the pantry.

    Don't forget to bring your UConn ID. The pantry has a limited supply of bags. Please bring a reusable grocery bag with you. Thank you!

    If Husky Harvest hours do not work with your schedule the Storrs Congregational Church on campus has an Emergency Food Pantry. The Food Pantry will be open Sundays from 11 – 12:00, Mondays from 12 – 2 p.m.,  and Thursdays from 2:30  – 5:00 pm.  For questions, email: SCCfoodpantry@storrscongchurch.org | 2 North Eagleville Rd., Storrs Mansfield, CT 06268

    ADDITIONAL FOOD RESOURCES

    UConn Resources

    Other Local Pantries

    Storrs Congregational Church on campus has an Emergency Food Pantry. Their pantry is open Sundays from 11 – 12:00, Mondays from 12 – 2 p.m.,  and Thursdays from 2:30  – 5:00 pm.  For questions, email: SCCfoodpantry@storrscongchurch.org | 2 North Eagleville Rd.

    Mansfield Mobile Food Pantry - 303 Maple Road |  Every other Thursday; 11:30am-Noon

    Covenant Soup Kitchen - Located in Willimantic

    Contact Us/Stay Up to Date

    Questions - please use our contact form at dining.uconn.edu/questions-and-comments

    Information on all the UConn food pantries can be found at huskyharvest.uconn.edu

    Husky Harvest (Storrs) Updates: Follow UConn Dining on Facebook, Instagram, X.

    Help promote Husky Harvest in your area of campus with this flyer.

    UConn Executive Chef Awarded Silver Medal at Culinary Challenge

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    Executive Chef Curtis Bangs was awarded a Northeast Region silver medal from the National Association of College University Food Services (NACUFS) Culinary Challenge for his exceptional dish: chicken roulade with purple pommes purée, sautéed carrots, and pâté cream sauce. The Culinary Challenge took place in Myrtle Beach Convention Center on the first night of the NACUFS Spring Conference.

    Launched in 2001 and adjudicated by the American Culinary Federation (ACF), the NACUFS Culinary Challenge celebrates the exceptional culinary talent in collegiate food service. Each year, chefs create an original, nutritionally balanced dish featuring a designated protein, competing on organization, technique, and taste—all judged on a 100-point scale.

    Dining Brings Acai Bowl Shop, SAMBAZON, to Storrs Campus

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    Campus Dining’s newest location SAMBAZON® opened on February 6th in the Student Union, providing an option for Açaí Bowls. 

    students enjoying acai bowlsStorrs, Connecticut, February 24, 2025 – A delicious, quick-service açaí bowl shop is now open in the Student Union on the University of Connecticut (UConn) Storrs campus; SAMBAZON®, the world’s largest brand of organic and Fair Trade certified açaí products, is now serving refreshing bowls topped with fruits, berries, and other superfoods.

    “We are excited to partner with the dining services team to open our doors on UConn’s campus and serve delicious food, with purpose, to the students and faculty,” said Ryan Black, SAMBAZON co-founder and CEO. “What’s unique about SAMBAZON is that in addition to sharing our signature açaí bowls, we have an opportunity to share our brand’s mission and values, which include a proactive solution to sustainable management of the Amazon Rainforest.”

    Adding to the diverse repertoire of the dining locations on campus, SAMBAZON, which stands for Sustainable Management of the Brazilian Amazon, is housed in the Student Union Lower Level, next to Market Café.

    SAMBAZON’s Açaí Bowls offer a vibrant, health-packed experience designed with the needs of today’s health-conscious students in mind. At the heart of this quick-service concept is a stunning display of fresh, hand-picked fruit — fresh strawberries, ripe bananas, tangy blueberries, tropical mango, and sweet pineapple — all waiting to top off the perfect bowl. With a sprinkle of nutrient-rich nuts, seeds, and classic Açaí favorites like crunchy granola and shredded coconut, fans of Açai bowls can create a delicious, energizing meal that’s as satisfying as it is visually irresistible.

    From the menu, Huskies can order from a number of SAMBAZON signature items including SAMBAZON’s Berry Açaí Bowl, Protein Açaí Bowl, Chocolate PB Açaí Bowl, and Coconut Mango Açaí Bowl. All SAMBAZON bowls are made with certified organic and Fair Trade açaí, and the menu features vegan, halal, and kosher options.

    As the world’s first Certified Fair Trade and Organic Açaí company, and the largest exporter of Açaí from Brazil, SAMBAZON has led the way with its vertically integrated supply chain. Operating two advanced, eco-friendly processing facilities in Brazil, SAMBAZON upholds the highest standards, ensuring Açaí quality and traceability “from the palm of the tree to the palm of your hand.”

    “We’re thrilled to bring SAMBAZON to UConn,” said Dining Assistant Director of Retail Operations, Scott Hauver. “We’re always looking for fresh, innovative dining options that resonate with our students’ tastes and lifestyles. SAMBAZON brings not just delicious, nutritious açaí bowls to campus, but also a commitment to sustainability and global responsibility that aligns perfectly with UConn’s values. The excitement from students has been incredible, and we’re confident this will quickly become a campus favorite.”

    SAMBAZON Açaí Bowls is open Monday – Thursday between the hours of 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., Friday 9am – 6pm, Saturday from 9am – 5pm and Sunday from 10am-5pm. For more information about UConn Dining eateries, visit the https://dining.uconn.edu/storrs-restaurants/

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    SAMBAZON® Açaí Bowls

    SAMBAZON® Açaí Bowls is a quality quick-serve concept launched by SAMBAZON®, the pioneer and recognized global leader in Açaí. At the heart of every bowl and smoothie is SAMBAZON’s organic and Fair Trade Açaí, wild harvested and produced in SAMBAZON’s two advanced, eco-friendly processing facilities in Brazil, upholding the highest standards and ensuring Açaí quality and traceability “from the palm of the tree to the palm of your hand.”  Recognized in 2024 as one of the most, “Unforgettable Airport Meals Around the World” by Condé Nast Traveler, SAMBAZON® Açaí Bowls’ menu offers a variety of handcrafted Açaí bowls, superfood smoothies, hearty oatmeal bowls, traditional Brazilian cheese bites, and more. The Company has spent the past two decades building the most transparent and well-respected supply chain in the world and is now leveraging its best-in-class supply chain and executive team to create the next generation of healthy quick service locations. To learn more about SAMBAZON®, visit www.sambazon.com or follow @sambazon on Instagram.

    About University of Connecticut:

    The University of Connecticut is a national leader among public research universities, with more than 32,000 students seeking answers to critical questions in classrooms, labs, and the community. A culture of innovation drives this pursuit of knowledge throughout the University’s network of campuses. Connecticut’s commitment to higher education helps UConn attract students who thrive in the most competitive environments, as well as globally renowned faculty members. Our school pride is fueled by a history of success that has made us a standout in Division I athletics. UConn

    fosters a diverse and vibrant culture that meets the needs and seizes the opportunities of a dynamic global society.

    For more information and to stay connected, follow @uconndining on Instagram or visit  dining.uconn.edu

    Contact UConn Dining Services: Rebecca DesRoches, Publicity & Marketing Manager, rebecca.desroches@uconn.edu

    SAMBAZON® Media Contact: Fika Collective, Blythe@fikacollective.com

    Pink Out Day with Dining – Oct 18

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    On Friday, October 18th, Dining Services will participate in its 2nd annual Pink Out Day to support breast cancer awareness and research by wearing pink ribbons and/or pink clothing. We invite the campus community to join in and show their support.

    Pink Out Day Specials on Friday, Oct 18th

    Retail Cafes (Storrs Campus) – Receive a free pink ribbon sugar cookie made by the UConn Bakery if you are wearing pink or a pink ribbon. While supplies last.

    Mango – Pink Drink smoothie – Strawberries, Greek yogurt & coconut milk, 20 oz drink, 17g of protein, $7.75; Mango is also handing out pink ribbon sugar cookies and breast cancer awareness bracelets to anyone wearing pink/pink ribbon – while supplies last; Mango Mike will make an appearance around noon.

    One Plate, Two Plates – Pretty In Pink Salad – available all month; This salad is a great balance of creamy and crunchy with spinach, chopped strawberries, raspberries, cranberries, diced avocado, crumbled goat cheese, strawberry poppyseed dressing, and roasted pepitas. $7.25

    McMahon – McMahon will be hosting a cancer awareness lunch; each station will represent a different cancer ribbon color and that color will be represented in the entree.

    Dining Halls – All dining halls will have pink ribbon sugar cookies made by the bakery as a dessert option at lunch on Oct. 18th. While supplies last.

    Follow Dining to stay up-to-date on specials, events, changes in hours, and more. Facebook | Instagram

    Dining Services Earns National Special Diet Recipe Award

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    UConn Dining Executive Director Michael White (center) accepting the award on stage at the NACUFS National Conference
    UConn Dining Executive Director Michael White (center) accepted the award on stage at the NACUFS National Conference.

    The National Association of College & University Food Services (NACUFS) announced UConn Dining Services as the recipient of a distinguished NACUFS Nutrition Award. Dining Services received gold in the category of Best Special Diet Recipe. The NACUFS Nutrition Awards recognize the outstanding nutrition and wellness programs implemented within collegiate food service programs to meet the needs of a dynamic student population.

    The winning recipe, Butternut Cauliflower Creamy Pasta Bake, is gluten-free and vegan and a favorite among students.

    “We have always been very proud of our dietary program here at UConn Dining Services and have seen a huge increase in the number of students diagnosed with dietary needs and food allergies, says Robert Landolphi Assistant Director of Culinary Development for UConn Dining Services. “In 2001 we had around 20 students with food allergies, and we now have well over 1200 students with dietary needs and allergens, about ten percent of our meal plan population. Tracking food allergies and dietary needs has assisted us in adjusting recipes and our menus in residential dining, retail, and catering to meet the ever-changing needs of the students and community members who dine with us. We appreciate all our customers and take the steps to source safe ingredients used to prepare delicious allergy-friendly dishes.”

    NACUFS member institutions across North America submitted entries in three categories – Wellness and Nutrition Program of the Year, Special Diet Program of the Year, and Special Diet Recipe of the Year.

    UConn Dining has received over 20 awards from NACUFS in the last 15 years for recipes, dining hall renovations, gluten-free options, culinary challenges, catering, and sustainability initiatives.

    Want to try the recipe at home? Find a printable recipe and demo at dining.uconn.edu/recipes.

    The National Association of College & University Food Services was founded in 1958 by a group of college and university foodservice professionals from across the United States. Since its inception, NACUFS has focused on its mission to support and promote excellence in collegiate dining by providing members with the programs and resources they need to excel, from benchmarking and best practices to educational programming and professional networking.

    NACUFS institutional members range from private colleges to large public universities, including two-year and four-year institutions, spanning the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and beyond. Industry members include food and equipment manufacturers, distributors, brokers, food service support companies, councils, boards, trade associations, advisory commissions and other professional groups. For more information, visit NACUFS.org.

    Dining Info for Move-In Weekend (Aug 22-25)

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    Fall semester meal plans (including flex passes & points) officially begin on Thursday, Aug 22nd. If you are part of an early move-in group before Thursday, your group will provide all your dining details to you.

    DINING WITH GUESTS DURING MOVE-IN: Students with meal plans are welcome to bring guests to the dining hall. A student can use a flex pass (one per guest), points, or Husky Bucks to admit their guest(s). Guests can also use debit/credit to pay the guest meal rate. Dining Halls are cashless. This info applies throughout the whole semester. 

    HOURS: Make sure you review our hours for our locations and their meal times. Not all dining halls will be open on Thursday. All will be open on Friday and through the weekend.
    Check out hours for all our locations at dining.uconn.edu/hours.

    UCONN ID – Make sure your UConn ID is activated and that you bring it with you to dining locations.

    Want quick access to hours and menus? Download the myUConn app and check out the dining section.

    Fall 2024 Dining Updates

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    Connecticut Dining Hall (CT Hall): We are thrilled to announce the opening of a brand new 500-seat dining hall on the Storrs campus! Our staff have worked diligently over the past month to prepare the space for the official opening on August 22nd. This beautiful and modern space is located on the south side of campus overlooking Mirror Lake.  Given the excitement around this new facility, lines may be long. We appreciate your patience and kindness toward our staff during this time.

    Fall Semester Hours for CT Hall:

    Monday through Friday

    • Breakfast: 7am-10:45am
    • Lunch: 11am-2:30pm
    • Dinner: 4pm-7:15pm

    Saturday & Sunday

    • Brunch: 10:30am-2pm
    • Dinner: 4pm-7:15pm

    Late-Night Dining: South Dining Hall will replace McMahon as one of our late-night dining locations. We made this change for the following reasons:

    • McMahon was at capacity during Late Night service.
    • To accommodate the growing community in South campus.
    • South Dining Hall can accommodate more students & has greater food storage capacity.
    • South Dining Hall offers Halal menu items which will be available during Late Night service.

    Northwest Dining Hall will continue to be the late-night location for the north side of campus. 

    South & Northwest will be open until 10pm, Sunday through Thursday (beginning Sunday, August 25th). For additional evening dining options, visit dining.uconn.edu/late-night

    Flex Pass Update: A small mac & cheese option has been added to the Flex Pass value meals at campus cafés. New to using flex passes and points? Learn more at dining.uconn.edu/flex-pass-and-points

    Soup at Market Cafe: Soup from the Market Cafe, in the Student Union, will be moving to its own station within the Union Street Market (USM). Mac and cheese will still be available at Market Cafe.

    Retail Hours: Mango and Union Street Market will be closing earlier on weekends due to changes in the operating hours of the buildings they are located in. 

    Change Your Meal Plan: You have until Friday, September 13, 2024, to upgrade or downgrade your plan.

    QUICK LINKS:

    Map of Dining Locations
    Using Flex Passes & Points
    Hours of Operation
    Guests in the Dining Hall
    Daily Menus

    STAY INFORMED: follow @UConnDining on IG, FB, X, Threads, TikTok