Archie’s Pantry debuted in 1992 as Archie’s Food Closet, which was housed in the Recreation, Fitness and Wellness Center (RFWC) until a recent relocation. The reimagined space is now accessible through a door at University Center room 1265, or the Dean of Students Office during business hours.
Before its relocation, students could “ask for Archie” at the RFCW front desk. The space was stocked with non-perishable food items and hygiene products.
Now, a USI key card can provide access from 7 a.m. to 12 a.m., seven days a week.
The reimagined pantry sprouted from a partnership between the Dean of Students Office and Kinney College’s Food and Nutrition Department. Inventory and stocking will be managed by Food and Nutrition students who are looking for hands-on learning experiences.
Archie’s Pantry will also include expanded food options, working in collaboration with the Tri-State Food Bank and Feed Evansville.
Unlike the previous location, Archie’s Pantry has fresh fruits and vegetables, frozen meats, single-serve meals and refrigerated produce, among other things.
The pantry includes six color-coded “zones,” which separate items based on category:
- Orange zone: Dried goods, cereals, starches
- Yellow zone: Drinks and toiletries
- Purple zone: Spices, kitchen gadgets, and shelf-stable proteins
- Red zone: Global flavors
- Green zone: Fresh and canned fruits and vegetables
- Blue zone: Frozen meats, single-serve meals, refrigerated dairy, produce and eggs
Additionally, the USI community will find pre-filled “grab-and-go” bags and resource packets for food assistance.
Archie’s Pantry operates on an honor system, encouraging participants to only take what is necessary.
USI community members can visit once per week and select up to 15 items each visit, with additional limits set for specific foods.