How to support Retriever Essentials - 10 for 10!

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 12:02:05 -0500

For the past 10 years, Retriever Essentials has been dedicated to nourishing our ever growing UMBC community by fighting food insecurity, and providing essential resources to students, staff, and faculty. If you'd like to contribute to this important work please consider participating in our 10 for 10 campaign! As we celebrate a decade of service, we are encouraging folks to donate a recurring $10 per month (or as much as you're able) in honor of our 10 years.

Currently, we're experiencing high demand and seeking ways to keep the shelves of The Essential Space, our campus free grocery store, stocked. In light of the national focus on food insecurity, we've received numerous inquiries asking how to help support our work. This is a testimony to the incredibly caring and supportive community at UMBC, which we are so thankful for.

How to make financial contributions: Any amount is helpful and appreciated! You may make a secure credit card donation through the university's giving site. Be sure to type "Retriever Essentials" under designation and consider opting into a recurring gift. For staff and faculty interested in pre-tax payroll deduction you can sign up for recurring gifts through USM's giving site. After logging in with your UMBC credentials you can select Retriever Essentials as the fund to donate to.

If you prefer to donate items directly, here's a list of the primary needs:

- Quick grab and go items like protein bars/shakes and fresh fruit (apples and bananas)

- Prepackaged Rice Bags

- Cereal/oatmeal

- Ready-to-eat meals that can be microwaved

- Canned or packet meats (tuna, chicken) ideally with pop-top lids

- Coats, gloves, and blankets (we're stocked on hats and scarves)

- Can openers

- Diapers and wipes

- Basic toiletries (toothpaste, brushes, etc..)

- Menstrual products

We also have an Amazon Wishlist to make this process more convenient for you. All donations can be sent to or dropped off in The Essential Space during operating hours. The Commons room 1A10. Monday-Wednesday, and Friday 11am-5:30pm.

Furthermore, please share that UMBC is now using an app to instantaneously share about leftover food after campus events. Please download "Share Meals" and login using your UMBC credentials. You snap a pic, add in the time, location, and servings, and hungry students will come.

The Essential Space is available to all UMBC students, faculty, staff, and contractors in need. Thank you so much for your support.