Common Goods

Food on shelves at Common Goods.

What is Common Goods?

Common Goods is a food pantry serving À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ students, faculty, and staff who may be experiencing hunger and struggling to make ends meet.

Through Common Goods, we strive to alleviate food insecurity for À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ State students as they work toward completing their education, as well as for any members of the À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ State community in need of assistance providing for themselves and their families.

Common Goods provides a safe and welcoming space to distribute a variety of non-perishable foods and personal care items at no cost.

Interior of Common Goods showcasing pantry shelves with food.

Where is Common Goods Located?

Common Goods is conveniently located a short walk from the main campus at the Second Congregational Church, 487 Western Avenue, near the entrance of the Commuter Parking Lot. Access the pantry by entering through the far-right door at the end of the church's side wing and going upstairs to the second floor.

Please note: The food pantry is situated on the second floor, and there is no elevator available. Accommodations can be arranged to deliver goods to individuals unable to ascend stairs. For assistance, please email commongoods@westfield.ma.edu to make arrangements.

Second Congregational Church where Common Goods is located.

How Does it Work?

Common Goods strives to create a welcoming, nonjudgmental, and safe environment. It operates as an 'open shelf' pantry, allowing participants to choose the types and quantities of items they need. Visitors are welcome to visit the food pantry as often as necessary.

Additionally, visitors have the option to fill out a survey indicating their preferences for food items and basic necessities. This helps us ensure we have a supply that best meets the community's needs.

Common Goods offers a shelf of protein foods.

Drop Non-Perishable Food and Personal Care Items in Designated Campus Bins

Food insecurity is a growing issue on college campuses, both locally and nationally. Common Goods was established by the Albert and Amelia Ferst Interfaith Center at À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ in response to the President’s Interfaith and Community Service Challenge, aiming to address hunger.

The Second Congregational Church, located near À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ State, generously provides space for the pantry. No religious affiliation is necessary for individuals to access the food pantry.

Common Goods invites the support of the campus community to sustain the pantry's operations.

Designated Campus Bins:

  • Albert & Amelia Ferst Interfaith Center
  • Ely Campus Center (lower level, near SAIL office)
  • Horace Mann Center (Main Lobby)
  • Scanlon Hall (lobby)
  • Wilson Hall (Commuter’s Common Area)
  • University Police

How to Get Involved with Common Goods

Support Common Goods by making monetary donations or sponsoring food drives. Contact us to collaborate and make a difference!

Community Partners

Common Goods is made possible by the generous support of:

  • Albert and Amelia Ferst Interfaith Center, Chaplains' Council, Interfaith Council
  • UCC Second Congregational Church
  • Fostering Student Success Network
  • Dining Services at WSU
  • St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Mary’s Parish, À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ
  • TRIO Student Support Services Program at WSU
  • À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ Foundation
  • À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ

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Days & Times of Operation

Tuesday & Wednesday: 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. during the academic year when school is in session through May.

During school breaks and summertime, the pantry is open every Tuesday from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

All À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ State students and staff are welcome to use Common Goods.

Campus Globe against cloudy blue sky

Contact Us

Common Goods
Second Congregational Church, 487 Western Avenue
Campus Globe against cloudy blue sky

Contact Us

Marjorie Rodriguez, MSW
Assistant Director
Ely 230