In May of 2022, the UMKC Dr. Raj Bala Agrawal Care Center opened in the Student Union. This opening was a big step forward in centralizing the Chancellor's efforts to combat food insecurity on campus. The Care Center has sucessfully moved the pantry from its original Troost Avenue location to a central location on the Volker Campus, the first floor of the Student Union. Part of the goal in moving the pantry and opening the Care Center on campus was to de-stigmatize the use of the pantry.
| Academic Year | Visits |
|---|---|
| 2019-2020 | 345 |
| 2020-2021 | 874 |
| 2021-2022 | 3473 |
This move also allowed an increase in pantry hours, to accommodate more schedules and guests.
To support our students, the university created the Office of Basic Needs, housed within the Office of Student Involvement. The Center provides resource with food, housing and finances.
The university hired Taylor Blackmon as the first Basic Needs Coordinator. This is a newly established position that exists to encompass all basic needs at UMKC.
Visit the Basic Needs website for more information. Please contact our Basic Needs Coordinator by email at blackmonte@umkc.edu or set up an appointment here: