Introduction
At Fitchburg State University, we know that meeting your basic needs is an important part of being able to focus on your education and succeed. That's why the Office of CARE and Case Management offers a broader support system with free resources for students facing a variety of challenges. Whether you are experiencing food insecurity, preparing for an interview, or simply are not sure where to start, we are here to help.
Our Basic Needs Support resources include the Falcon Bazaar Food and Necessity Pantry, the Professional Clothing Closet, and Basic Needs Case Management. All Fitchburg State students are welcome to access these resources at no cost.
Explore the resources below to learn more, or contact the Office of CARE and Case Management if you are unsure which resource is right for you or where to begin.
Falcon Bazaar
The Falcon Bazaar Necessity and Food Pantry supports Fitchburg State students facing food insecurity or in need of everyday essentials. We stock breakfast, lunch, and dinner staples alongside daily necessities like toiletries and hygiene products, all free for any student. Stock changes regularly based on donations, so there's always something new to find. Just walk in any time during open hours.
| Location | Hammond Hall, Room G-16 |
|---|---|
| Walk-in Hours | Monday - Thursday, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.| Friday, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. |
| Other Access | Schedule an appointment through the Office of Care and Case Management, or ask a building manager at the Hammond Info Desk during building hours to let you in. |
| Contact | care@fitchburgstate.edu |
What's on the Shelves?
A sample of what students can expect to find. Stock varies with donations.
- Pop-Tarts and breakfast bars
- Individual-sized cereal
- Microwavable oatmeal
- Snack bars
- Granola and fruit cups
- Instant coffee and tea
- Chips and crackers
- Trail mix
- Canned tuna and chicken
- Individual microwavable meals
- Canned or bagged beans, soups, and Goya items
- Pasta, pasta sauce, and rice
- Peanut butter, Nutella, and jelly
- Condiments: mayo, hot sauce, butter
- Juices and gluten-free options
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Bar and liquid soap
- Travel-size hand sanitizer and wet wipes
- Toothpaste and toothbrushes
- Razors and shaving cream
- Deodorant
- Sanitary pads and other menstrual products
- Baby items (diapers, wipes)
- First aid basics (bandages, antibacterial ointment)
Professional Clothing Closet
Heading into an interview, internship, or presentation? The Professional Clothing Closet has you covered with free professional attire, blazers, dress shirts, slacks, skirts, ties, belts, and more, in a full range of sizes. Stop in, browse, and take home a look that's ready for the job.
| Location | Hammond Hall, Room G-23 |
|---|---|
| Walk-in Hours | Monday - Thursday, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.| Friday, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. |
| Other Access | Schedule an appointment through the Office of Care and Case Management, or ask a building manager at the Hammond Info Desk during building hours to let you in. |
| Contact | care@fitchburgstate.edu |
Donate
Donations from the campus community keep the shelves full. Visit our Amazon Wishlist, purchase an item, and it ships directly to us.
Prefer to donate in person? Non-perishable food, personal hygiene products, and new or gently used professional attire in any size are always welcome. Drop off at the Office of CARE and Case Management during open hours or schedule a time to arrange a drop-off at care@fitchburgstate.edu.
CARE and Case Management
Students experiencing financial, housing, or other basic needs concerns can meet with a Basic Needs Specialist through the Office of CARE and Case Management. During one-on-one meetings, students can talk through their situation, explore available options, and connect with helpful campus and community resources.
Appointments are available in person or virtually and can be scheduled by phone, email, or by visiting the Office of CARE and Case Management. Students may also contact Oneirys DiBuono, Case Manager and Basic Needs Specialist, at orondonf@fitchburgstate.edu, or Geybrell Liriano, Basic Needs Graduate Assistant, at glirianot@fitchburgstate.edu, to set up a time.
| Location | Aubuchon Hall Office Suite facing Russell Towers |
|---|---|
| Walk-in Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. |
| Phone | 978.665.3880 |
| care@fitchburgstate.edu |
Coming Soon: PantrySoft
We're excited to launch PantrySoft soon, a new online system for the Falcon Bazaar and Professional Clothing Closet. Once it's up and running, PantrySoft will let you:
- See what's currently in stock at the Falcon Bazaar before you visit
- Place an order online ahead of time for the Falcon Bazaar
- Reserve a time to browse the Professional Clothing Closet
- Manage your visits, all using your Fitchburg State student login
In the meantime, you're always welcome to walk in during posted hours or contact the Office of CARE and Case Management to schedule a visit.
Additional Resources
Falcon Care Center
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
Student Employment Opportunties
Financial Aid Office
Emergency Funding Request Form
Frequently Asked Questions
Item limits may vary by product and current inventory. Limits are posted in the Falcon Bazaar and the Professional Clothing Closet when applicable.
Yes. Your visit and what you take are always kept private.
Yes, both are open during school breaks as long as Hammond Hall is open. You can schedule an appointment with CARE and Case Management to get in, or ask a building manager at the Hammond Info Desk to let you in when there aren't student workers on site.
Yes. You need your student ID number to check out items, so bring it with you, or have a photo of it on your phone, when you visit.
Inventory is subject to change based on current available stock. If something you need isn't available, fill out the anonymous feedback form using the QR code at our location, and we'll add it to our Amazon Wishlist.
The Falcon Bazaar runs mostly on donations, and we cannot accommodate all dietary restrictions. If you have specific dietary needs, feel free to ask the student worker at the Bazaar what's currently available that fits your dietary restrictions, or fill out our anonymous feedback form, and we can add the item to our Amazon Wishlist.
Sizes vary based on donations, and we don't always have every size in stock. You can always fill out our anonymous feedback form using the QR code at the clothing closet location, and we'll try to showcase the need for those items to future donors.
Reach out to the Office of CARE and Case Management at care@fitchburgstate.edu or 978-665-3880. We'll help connect you with the right resource.
We have a QR code linking to a feedback form at the Bazaar and Clothing Closet for anonymous feedback, but you're always welcome to reach out to the Office of CARE and Case Management at care@fitchburgstate.edu. We'd love to hear from you!