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Contact Us

themarket@american.edu

Monday — 12:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Wednesday — 12:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Friday — 11:00 am - 4:00 pm

Mary Graydon Center, Room 134 on a map

The Market 4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW Washington, DC 20016 United States

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FAQs

To operate a sustainable, donations-based program, we have implemented new AU Market shopping guidelines:

  1. The AU Market has been updated to reflect the allowable amounts of food items shoppers may to take per week. To equitably serve each of our shoppers, it is critical that you abide by the signs indicating the quantity of each item you can take while you shop.
  2. The AU Market is moving to a staffed model to assist with product management. The AU Market staff can assist you with answering questions and collect feedback about items you would like to see in the future.
  3. Your AU ID will only work to provide entry during the times the AU Market is staffed. Please review the hours of operations above.
  4. All AU Market shoppers must scan their AUID card at the door of MGC 134, even if the door is open. This will help us understand overall use of the AU Market and continue to improve the experience for our community.
  5. Students may shop at the AU Market only once per week and are limited to one grocery bag per shopping experience. We encourage our shoppers to bring their own reusable shopping bags in support of the University’s sustainability efforts.

Food Security

  • High food security (old label=Food security): no reported indications of food-access problems or limitations.
  • Marginal food security (old label=Food security): one or two reported indications—typically of anxiety over food sufficiency or shortage of food in the house. Little or no indication of changes in diets or food intake.

Food Insecurity

  • Low food security (old label=Food insecurity without hunger): reports of reduced quality, variety, or desirability of diet. Little or no indication of reduced food intake.
  • Very low food security (old label=Food insecurity with hunger): reports of multiple indications of disrupted eating patterns and reduced food intake.

Those who identify with having very low to marginal food security can request access to the Market.

You do not need to demonstrate need. We hope you use integrity to be honest with your need so we can support as many students as possible.

We ask that each shopper only visit The Market once a week during open hours.

The types of food available will vary depending on donations and availability. We offer non-perishable items like canned goods, pasta, rice, and cereal, as well as fresh produce, dairy products, and meat when available. We are also trying to grow our gluten-free section.

The AU Market has been updated to reflect the allowable amounts of food items shoppers may to take per week. To equitably serve each of our shoppers, it is critical that you abide by the signs indicating the quantity of each item you can take while you shop.

Students may shop at the AU Market only once per week and are limited to one grocery bag per shopping experience. We encourage our shoppers to bring their own reusable shopping bags in support of the University’s sustainability efforts.

You can donate either monetarily or give non-expired food or toiletry items. Examples of what we need are listed below, or you can order now using our Amazon Wishlist.

  • Suggested categories could include but not be limited to the following:
    • Breakfast Items (cereals, oatmeal, breakfast bars, Pop-Tarts, etc.)
    • Healthy Snacks (granola bars, protein bars, etc.)
    • Pasta (Easy to make pastas such as mac and cheese, ramen, etc.)
    • Heat & Eat items (rice, lentils, etc.)
    • Canned Goods (soups, veggies, fruit)
    • Nut butters (peanut butter, almond butter, etc.)
    • Jellies and Spreads
    • Non-dairy milks (shelf stable: soy, almond, oat, etc.)
    • Sauces, Seasoning, and Condiments
    • Baking Items (Cooking Oils, Vinegars, etc.)
    • Nuts and Seeds
    • Paper Goods (napkins/paper towels)
    • Instant coffee packets
    • Teas
    • Toiletries: toothpaste, soap, deodorant, period products, etc.
    • Gluten free items
    • Seasonal items: soups and chilis (best given between November and February), holiday favorites (items such as boxes of stuffing, or other holiday favorites are nice near those days)

Taylor Allgood, Student Support Coordinator and Dining Liaison, at tallgood@american.edu, and The Market team at themarket@american.edu.

The Market: AU's Food Pantry

Hours & Location

Location:
Mary Graydon Student Center, Rm. 134

Fall hours:
Monday – 12:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Wednesday – 12:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Friday – 11:00 am - 4:00 pm