At Westfield State University, our students, faculty, and staff are our foundation. We're more than academics, books, lecture halls, and sporting events. We're a community.

Living as a community means taking care of each other—and becoming stronger for it.

That’s why with the help of community partners we've created Common Goods at Westfield State—a generous-in-spirit resource center where students, faculty and staff have access to food and other basic necessities in a caring and welcoming environment.

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What is Common Goods?

Common Goods is a food pantry serving Westfield State University students, faculty and staff who may be experiencing hunger and are struggling to make ends meet.

Through Common Goods, we strive to alleviate food insecurity for Westfield State students while they work toward completing their education, as well as for any members of the Westfield State community who are in need of help providing for themselves and their families.

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

Where is Common Goods located?

Common Goods is a very short walk from the main campus.

• It's housed in the Second Congregational Church, 487 Western Avenue, adjacent to the entrance to the Commuter Parking Lot.
• Enter through the far right door at the end of the side wing of the church. Go upstairs to the second floor.

Note: The food pantry is located on the second floor and there is no elevator access. Accommodations can be made to deliver goods to persons who are unable to walk up the flight of stairs. Email commongoods@westfield.ma.edu to make arrangements.

How does it work?

Common Goods strives to create a welcoming, nonjudgmental, and safe environment. It is an “open shelf” pantry. Participants may choose what kinds and what quantities of items they need, and may visit the food pantry as many times as they wish.

Visitors will complete a brief intake form (to be filled out only once per semester).

Visitors may also fill out an optional survey of preferences of food items and basic necessities so that we can build a supply that will best meet the needs of the community.

How the community can help

Food insecurity is an increasing problem on college campuses, both locally and nationally. Common Goods was initiated by the Albert and Amelia Ferst Interfaith Center at Westfield State University in response to the President’s Interfaith and Community Service Challenge to address the issue of hunger. Westfield State’s neighbor, the Second Congregational Church, generously houses the pantry. No religious affiliation is required for individuals to access the food pantry. Click here for a list of suggested donations.

Common Goods invites the support of the campus community to sustain the operation of the pantry. Non-perishable food and personal care items can be left in designated bins across campus:

• Horace Mann Center (Main Lobby)
• Wilson Hall (Commuter’s Common Area)
• Parenzo Hall (near TRiO, first floor)
• Ely Campus Center (Campus Center Service Window and Main Lobby)
• Albert & Amelia Ferst Interfaith Center
• Public Safety

Monetary donations and sponsorship of food drives are welcome. Contact commongoods@westfield.ma.edu to collaborate.

Community Partners

Common Goods is made possible by the generous support of:

• Albert and Amelia Ferst Interfaith Center, Chaplains' Council, Interfaith Council
• Fostering Student Success Initiative
• St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Mary’s Parish, Westfield
• UCC Second Congregational Church
• TRiO Student Support Services Program
• Henry Wefing Community Garden
• Westfield Foundation
• Westfield State University

Common Goods in the News

Read an article in the Westfield Voice about Common Goods!

Watch our WSU-TV package on Common Goods. Thanks to MaryRose Kline and Kyle MacLaughlin for being part of the video.

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