Food Insecurity 101
What does “food insecurity” mean?
Limited or uncertain access to enough food for an active, healthy life.
What UIUC program provides free food and basic necessities to students?
The Food Assistance & Well-Being Program.
What campus resource can students contact for help with basic needs, including food insecurity?
Connie Frank CARE Center / Office of the Dean of Students
What is a food pantry?
A place where people can obtain food, often for free or at no cost.
True or False: You have to be completely out of food before you can use a food pantry.
False
True or False. Food insecurity and hunger mean exactly the same thing.
False
Where is UIUC's Food Assistance & Well-Being Program pantry located?
ARC
What UIUC program offers free meal boxes at certain University Housing locations?
Everybody Eats
Name one community food pantry in Urbana or Champaign.
Wesley Food Pantry, Vineyard Food Pantry, St. Luke C.M.E. Food Pantry, or Windsor Road Christian Church Food Pantry.
A student has $20 left for food until their next paycheck. Is this potentially a food-insecurity concern?
Yes. Food insecurity involves uncertain or inadequate access to sufficient food, not simply having zero dollars or zero food.
Name one reason a UIUC student might experience food insecurity.
High living costs, tuition and fees, limited income, unexpected expenses, transportation issues, or a change in financial circumstances.
What type of pantry is UIUC's Food Assistance & Well-Being Program?
A shopping-style pantry, meaning students can choose the foods and necessities they need.
hat campus health center can students contact for nutrition support, including appointments with a dietitian?
Mckinley Health Center
Where is the Wesley Evening Food Pantry located?
1203 W. Green Street in Urbana, at Wesley United Methodist Church.
A student is embarrassed to use a food pantry because they think other people will judge them. What is one thing they should know?
UIUC describes its food resources as safe and inclusive, and some services are designed to be accessible without judgment or extensive eligibility requirements
True or False: A student can experience food insecurity even if they have a job.
True
Name two types of food students may find at the UIUC pantry.
fresh produce, dairy, protein, canned goods, and grains.
What campus health center can students contact for nutrition support, including appointments with a dietitian?
The Orange Room in the Main Library, which hosts a Wesley Food Pantry.
What local organization provides a map to help people find food resources in Illinois?
Find Food IL.
Your friend says, “I don't need a food pantry because I have a meal plan.” What could you tell them?
A meal plan doesn't necessarily guarantee consistent access to enough food. If they're struggling to meet their food needs, they can explore available campus resources.
How can food insecurity affect a student's college experience?
It can affect academic performance, concentration, overall well-being, and the ability to succeed in school.
What ID do actively enrolled students use to check in to the Food Assistance & Well-Being Program?
Student ID
What makes the Orange Room's food pantry especially accessible?
Students don't need to provide personal information or meet specific income requirements to use it.
Name one place besides a food pantry where a UIUC student could potentially find a free meal in the Champaign-Urbana area.
McKinley Church & Foundation's Student Community Dinner or the UniPlace Community Meal.
You're a UIUC student who is struggling to afford food. Name three places or resources you could turn to for help.
Food Assistance & Well-Being Program
Everybody Eats
Orange Room/Wesley Food Pantry
Connie Frank CARE Center
SNAP/Illinois ABE
Champaign-Urbana community food pantries
Student community dinners