Beginning Monday, Dec. 7, Northeastern Illinois University will open a pantry for enrolled students. The NEIU Student Pantry will be open twice a week and will supply non-perishable food items and toiletries via donations from members of both the University community and the public.
“There are students who have the inability to afford books, and they choose to purchase food over books,” said Doug Lawson, director of the Office of Student Disability Services. “They’re trying to make their life work by going to school, but going to school is an investment. It pays off later, but in the meantime they have to make ends meet.”
Northeastern has made affordability and accessibility a priority for its students through a multitude of available resources, but many students still face the challenge of finding their next meal. All Northeastern students are eligible to receive food, free of cost, when presenting a student ID.
“Hunger and food insecurity have a profound effect on our students’ ability to learn, retain information, and ultimately graduate,” said Hannah Retzkin-Simson, assistant to the vice president for Student Affairs. “The Student Food Pantry addresses some of these issues and provides students with the basic human right of access to adequate and nutritious food."
The Greater Chicago Food Depository is providing food once a week through its Healthy Market program. The Civil Service Council and the Association of Student Social Workers are helping with volunteer efforts.
The NEIU Student Food Pantry will be open from 1-4 p.m. on Mondays and Fridays. It will be located in B 140, the conference room near the Career Development Center. Please bring your own bag to carry foods and goods.
Where can you drop off donations?
- Student Leadership Development office
- Angelina Pedroso Center
- Learning Support Center
- Project Success and Proyecto Pa’Lante office
- Student Disability Services office
- Division of Student Affairs office
What food items can you donate?
- Beans
- Baby food
- Canned fruit and vegetables
- Cereal
- Chili
- Jelly
- Macaroni and cheese
- Pasta
- Pasta Sauce
- Peanut butter
- Rice
- Shelf-stable milk
- Soup
- Stew
- Tuna
What non-food items can you donate?
- Personal hygiene products
- Diapers
- Facial tissue
- Paper towels
- Toilet paper
