Indianapolis Campus

Areas Where IvyCares Can Help You!

• Bear Necessities Food Pantry (locations - downtown campus AND Lawrence)

  IvyCARES offers essential support services for currently enrolled students, including the Bear Necessities Food Pantry, which is a client-choice pantry—you choose the items that best meet your needs. It’s designed to provide dignified, student-centered support in a respectful and empowering environment.

  Two Locations, One Mission
  Providing Essential Support Through a Dignified, Client-Choice Model

  1. Downtown Indianapolis Campus – Main Pantry
     Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (during fall 2025 term)
     Where: North Meridian Center (NMC), 50 W. Fall Creek Pkwy N. Dr., Room 414, Indianapolis, IN 46208
  2. Fairbanks Building (Lawrence) – Satellite Pantry
     Hours of Operation: First Thursday of each month | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
     Where: 9301 East 59th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46216

  Open Dates (2025–2026):
  • August 7, 2025
  • September 4, 2025
  • October 2, 2025
  • November 6, 2025
  • December 4, 2025
  • January 2, 2026
  • February 6, 2026
  • March 6, 2026
  • April 3, 2026
  • May 7, 2026
  
  Please note: Pantry schedules and hours are subject to change each term. The pantry is closed when classes are not in session. Always check IvyCares communications or contact us directly to confirm current availability.

  Qualifications for Access

  To use the Bear Necessities food pantry, students must meet the following criteria:

  ✅ Be currently enrolled in Ivy Tech classes (must show MyIvy access)
  ✅ Complete a brief application (demographic info)
  ✅ Fill out a grocery request sheet
  ✅ A staff member will assist in gathering your selected items
  ✅ Bring your own reusable bag

  ________________________________________

  Per-Visit Grocery Allowance (while supplies last)

  • Meats: 2
  • Canned Items: 8
  • Personal Hygiene Items: 2
  • Household Cleaning Items: 2
  • Other staples: pasta, cereal, condiments

  ________________________________________

  ⚠️ IMPORTANT: SHOPPING GUIDELINES
  • You may shop once every other week
  • Downtown and Fairbanks are the same pantry—you can’t shop both locations in the same 2-week period
  • Services are available to all students, faculty, and staff.
  ________________________________________
  Want to Give Back?
  We accept donations of shelf-stable, hygiene items, and clothing.
  Drop-off options:
  • *Place items in the brown crate outside NMC 414
  • Or bring directly to the pantry during operating hours: Monday – Thursday | 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM

  *Our pantry includes refrigerator and freezer space, so we’re happy to accept fresh food and produce. Please do not leave fresh food and produce in brown bins in the hallway. 

  ________________________________________
  Questions or need help?
  For more information or assistance, please reach out to Indianpolis-ivycares@ivytech.edu

   

  .   

• Student Emergency Aid Fund

  Students experiencing an unforeseen circumstance and need assistance can reach out to the IvyCares Resource Coach. The Resource Coach will assist students identifying community resources to assist the student financially through the crisis . The Resource Coach can help the students organize the materials and complete applications for assistances in addition to finding financial support.

• Transportation

  Students can purchase a 30-day Indy-Go Bus pass for $30.00 through the Bursars’ Office. Ivy Cares may be able to assist with a ONE-TIME bus pass if an emergency transportation issue occurs. Use the link to complete an emergency IvyCares transportation request.

  IndyGo Transportation

• Childcare Assistance

  The Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF), a federally funded program that provides childcare assistance to eligible low-income families, provides assistance in the form of electronic vouchers that pay for all or some of an eligible family’s childcare expenses directly to the childcare provider.
     
  To apply for assistance, you may apply online: https://earlyedconnect.fssa.in.gov/onlineApp/home
     
  To learn more about income eligibility requirements please visit: https://brighterfuturesindiana.org/earlyed/income-eligibility-guidelines

• Technology

  Students are expected to come to college with the tools necessary to be successful. However, sometimes items break, and home internet may be too slow for college work. Ivy Cares offers students short-term usage of hotspots and laptop computers. There is a minimal supply of laptops and hotspots. Students are welcome to complete a request form two weeks before the term starts and two weeks after the start to borrow a laptop for the term. An application does not guarantee approval. 

  Apply Now

• IvyAssist

  Ivy Assist is a fantastic website with local options to help Ivy Tech students connect with resources. Use this website to search for services available in your local area. Ivy Assist can connect you with organizations that provide food assistance, housing needs, transportation, health resources, financial assistance, education options, legal services, and so much more. To check out what is offered, visit ivyassist.auntbertha.com

• Student health

  https://www.gallagherstudent.com/students/student-home.php?idField=1284

• Clothing Closet

  Ivy Cares has a Clothing Closet for students to access. The purpose of the Clothing Closet is to help students be prepared for professional interviews. Yet the closet has a variety of clothes that are not professional attire that students can take if they need clean clothes. We regularly accept donated clothing that is gently used and clean. Contact indianpolis-ivycares@ivtech.edu to visit the closet.

• Meet the Team