Food Security at ISU
Food security is the limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods, or the ability to acquire such foods in a socially acceptable manner. National data indicates that one third of college students are food and/or housing insecure (read the entire report here). Data from the 2021 implementation of the National College Health Association (NCHA) on ISU’s campus indicates 31% of ISU students are food insecure.
Confidential Wellbeing Self Assessment Tool
Take the confidential student wellbeing self assessment tool, which asks questions about various areas of health and wellbeing, including food security.
Campus Food Pantry (SHOP)
Students Helping Our Peers (SHOP) is a student-run, on-campus food pantry. It was created in 2011 when a group of students in the Food Science and Human Nutrition (FSHN) were approached by ISU Dining about the possibility of opening a campus food pantry. SHOP’s vision is to alleviate food insecurity while collaborating with Iowa State University and the Ames Community. SHOP’s mission is to serve the student population and the Ames community by increasing hunger awareness and food security. Donations from individuals, campus organizations, the community, and an ISU Foundation account keep food on the shelves of the pantry. SHOP has expanded from their current location to include a satellite food pantry at the Sloss House near central campus.
SHOP’s executive board creates a plan each year that outlines opportunities, challenges, and goals for the organization, and volunteers are the driving force behind SHOP’s success, along with their staff advisor. SHOP’s volunteers and board members are from a variety of majors, which adds diversity of perspective and talent to the student organization. To learn more about SHOP, including hours of operation and volunteer opportunities, visit SHOP’s website or Facebook page.
Location – 1306 Beyer Hall – Weekly Hours:
Monday 1-6pm
Wednesdays from 2-7pm
Thursday from 4:00-7:00pm
Friday from 11am – 4pm
Give a Swipe Program
How to Receive Meals
If you are a student that needs to access to emergency meals, please a reach out to any of the following partners of the Give A Swipe program.
- Office of Student Assistance-Phone: 515-294-1020 Email:studentassistance@iastate.edu
- Student Wellness-Phone: 515-294-1099 Email:studentwellness@iastate.edu
- Financial Aid-Phone:515-294-2223 Email:financialaid@iastate.edu
- International Students & Scholars-Phone:515-294-1120 Email:isso@iastate.edu
- Student Counseling Services-Phone:515-294-5056
Food Security Workgroup
The Food Security Workgroup was established in 2018 to review data, identify needs, inventory resources on campus and in the community, and support existing efforts. Members of the workgroup include representatives from SHOP, Student Wellness, Department of Residence, ISU Dining, FSHN, Student Assistance Office, and the ISU Foundation. A comprehensive review of university-based programs that promote food security was divided into no/low cost, moderate cost, and high cost categories. The workgroup is also in regular contact with universities from around the country to share ideas. Through the efforts of the Workgroup, the Give A Swipe program was established with ISU Dining, which connects students to resources and provides meals to students in urgent need.
Community Resources
- Comprehensive list of resources including food, rent, housing, and financial need assistance.
- Click here to access a list of community food pantries in Story County, Iowa. If you aren’t within walking distance or don’t have a car, you can take CyRide to the food pantries.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
- SNAP provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of needy families so they can purchase healthy food and move towards self-sufficiency.
Women Infant Children Program (WIC)
- Personalized support for anyone who is pregnant, a caregiver, or a mom w/ a child under 5.
National Hunger Hotline
- You can also call The National Hunger Hotline to find emergency food providers in the community, government assistance programs, and various social services. The hotline can be reached Monday through Friday by calling 1-866-3-HUNGRY.