The Purple Basket
The Purple Basket addresses the impact of hunger, nutrition, housing insecurity, and disparities in access to basic needs. Hunger and nutrition security are approached in a dignified, destigmatized manner aimed at reducing hunger and increasing resources for all presentations of food insecurity—whether it be a skipped meal or a week of groceries. Students can access a variety of foods, as well as hygiene and household items in the Purple Basket.
Updates and events can be found on the Purple Basket’s Instagram.
Location: Carleson Hall lower level (access through the patio on the south side of the building)
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Contact: Traci Siriprathane by email (tsiriprathane@westminsteru.edu) or phone at (801-832-2862)
Visiting the Purple Basket
When you enter the Purple Basket, you will be greeted by a student office assistant or staff member who will point you in the direction of the pantry. You will be asked to sign in with your Westminster ID and no other identifying information. After signing in, you can take whatever you need from the pantry, including any food, hygiene products, or household items.
The Purple Basket strives to offer products that meet the needs of all students within the Westminster community. In the pantry, you will find meat and meat alternatives, produce from the Organic Garden, dairy and dairy alternatives, canned goods, and spices. In addition, you will find hygiene products, including soap, haircare, menstrual products and oral care products, and household items, such as cleaning supplies and laundry detergent.
The goal of the Purple Basket is to carry things that students want and need. To request that certain items be stocked at the Purple Basket, fill out an anonymous request form. Please feel free to submit as many requests as you’d like.
Donations
Support the Purple Basket in meeting basic needs by donating funds that will be used to maintain a stock of food, hygiene products, and household items. To make a donation:
- Visit the "Give" button in the top-right corner of the Westminster giving platform.
- Under “Search Funds” select “Other.”
- Fill out your information.
- Under “Additional Details” enter that your gift designation is “the Purple Basket”
Donations of in-kind goods to the Purple Basket are also greatly appreciated. To make a donation, contact Traci Siriprathane by email at tsiriprathane@westminsteru.edu. Donations can be dropped off at the Purple Basket during business hours or by appointment. Accepted items include food, hygiene products, and gently used cookware and dishware.
You can also choose to make a donation from the current list of most needed items or the Purple Basket’s Amazon wish list
The Student Emergency Support Fund seeks to provide emergency funding for students in need to cover housing, transportation, medical, and other emergencies that impede students from being students. To apply for emergency support funding, email Traci Siriprathane (tsiriprathane@westminsteru.edu). We aim to get resources to you as quickly as possible.