Supporting students means more than investing in education; it means helping ensure they have the resources they need to succeed both inside and outside the classroom. Recently, Great Basin Federal Credit Union (Great Basin) partnered with the University of Nevada, Reno Pack Provisions, the on-campus food pantry, for a donation drive to help students experiencing food insecurity and other challenges meeting basic needs.

Timed just before the start of summer, the initiative came at an especially important moment. While summer is often associated with vacations and time away from school, it can bring additional challenges for students who rely on campus resources during the academic year. As classes end and routines change, access to affordable meals and essential supplies can become more difficult for some students. Community support during this transition helps ensure that students continue to have access to the resources they need, whether they are taking summer courses, working, preparing for the fall semester or simply navigating the months ahead. 

Great Basin has four branches across Washoe County, each of which collected food, hygiene supplies and monetary donations. The collective effort between Great Basin and the University demonstrates the power of community partnership. Together, they helped ensure that students have the resources and encouragement they need to thrive.

Pack Provisions, University of Nevada, Reno’s on-campus student food pantry, was created in 1987 to alleviate food insecurity on campus. Since then, Pack Provisions has served thousands of students thanks to the generous contributions of a community that shares those values. Through charitable donations, Pack Provisions receives support in making a significant impact on the lives of students. The need for on-campus food pantry services has grown over the years. In 2018, 22% of students reported experiencing food insecurity. By 2024, that number had increased to 33%, according to a campuswide civic engagement survey administered by the Center for Student Engagement. The services provided by Pack Provisions help students through their academic journeys and help them sustain healthy lives.

By the conclusion of the drive, community members had donated 415 pounds of food and hygiene items and more than $415. This equates to roughly 346 meals for students. 

Great Basin Federal Credit Union has long been committed to strengthening the communities it serves through volunteerism, charitable giving and establishing community partnerships that create meaningful impact. Supporting Pack Provisions aligned naturally with the credit union's mission of helping individuals and families achieve greater financial and personal well-being.

"Our communities are strongest when we work together to support one another," said Gerardina Rodriguez, community relations manager at Great Basin, and organizer of the Pack Provisions drive. "We were honored to partner with the University of Nevada, Reno on this initiative. The generosity shown by our members, employees and the community demonstrates how much can be accomplished when people come together for a common cause."

For Pack Provisions, community partnerships play a critical role in expanding services and reaching more students. Donations help ensure shelves remain stocked and resources remain available throughout the year.

Pack Provisions operates on a client-choice model, where students can freely select food that best meets their needs. Members of the Wolf Pack can also stop by once per day, every day the pantry is open. The pantry receives 150 to 200 visits per week. Whether a student grabs food for the day or groceries for the week, everyone is free to make use of the low-barrier, inclusive food pantry. The on-campus pantry remains open to all current Wolf Pack members who wish to access its wide range of fresh vegetables, fruit, dairy, meat, dry goods and other pantry items throughout the summer and into the fall and spring semesters.

The success of the month-long drive reflects the longstanding spirit of service that exists both within Great Basin Federal Credit Union and the University of Nevada, Reno community. Together, the two organizations are helping ensure that students have the support they need today while building a stronger future for Northern Nevada. 

Learn more about Great Basin Federal Credit Union, or visit the Center for Student Engagement for more information about Pack Provisions and other support services available to University students.