The mission of the Food Pantry at Iowa is to provide nutritious food and necessities for University of Iowa students, faculty, and staff in need while also advocating for food security and education.

The Food Pantry at Iowa firmly believes in the importance of healthy food as a basic human right. It emphasizes food accessibility and affordability to help individuals maintain a healthy lifestyle and succeed in their academic pursuits.

The Food Pantry at Iowa is open to University of Iowa students, faculty, and staff who are facing food insecurity. Clients must have a University of Iowa ID card to access the Pantry's services.

Clients typically need to provide their University ID (Iowa One Card), Hawkid, or ID number to verify their affiliation with the University of Iowa. Clients are also encouraged to bring their own reusable bags to carry the items they receive from the pantry.

There is no specific income requirement to use the Food Pantry. It is open to anyone within the University of Iowa community who is experiencing food insecurity.

Clients are able to access the Food Pantry at Iowa once per week.

The items available at the Food Pantry vary and subject to change day to day. However, we generally have the following in stock:

• Fresh Food: Produce, bread, baked goods, tortillas, milk, eggs
• Dry and Canned Goods: Dry beans, pasta, canned soup, canned beans, canned vegetables, canned fruit
• Personal Care: Floss, deodorant, soap, toothpaste, toilet paper
• Menstrual Products: Tampons, sanitary pads
• Baby Supplies: Diapers, baby wipes

The Food Pantry places limits on certain items to ensure adequate supply for all clients. If you're unsure what the limit is on a specific item, feel free to ask a volunteer during your visit!

Yes, the Food Pantry at Iowa respects your privacy. Your use of the pantry is kept confidential, and all volunteers receive FERPA confidentiality training to ensure that clients feel comfortable seeking assistance.

No, your individual use of the Food Pantry is generally not disclosed to anyone within the university without your consent. The Food Pantry prioritizes client confidentiality. However, we do utilize summarized survey visit data to better understand our client base. 

The Food Pantry hosts various events and initiatives throughout the year, like food drives, meal packing events, and cooking demonstrations. These activities help raise awareness about food insecurity and contribute to making a positive change. Plus, any member of our University of Iowa community is welcome to participate! To keep up to date with these initiatives, follow the Food Pantry on Instagram. Additionally, if you'd like to join the Pantry as a volunteer, email studorg-foodpantry@uiowa.edu to get started.

The Food Pantry at Iowa hosts a variety of hunger awareness events throughout the year with the goal of highlighting the issue of college food insecurity and advocating for change. These events include food drives, meal packing events, and cooking demonstrations. If you'd like to stay up to date on the Pantry's awareness efforts, follow us on Instagram!

You can join the Food Pantry at Iowa in its mission by donating to our organization, participating in our events and initiatives, or spreading awareness about food insecurity on college campuses. By getting involved, you can make a meaningful contribution to our cause!

Yes, the Food Pantry welcomes donations! To learn more about what and how to donate, check out this page of our website.

Yes, the Food Pantry at Iowa often seeks volunteers to help with its operations! Though volunteering with us is a semester-long commitment, we offer flexible scheduling to fit around your academic priorities. We ask volunteers to commit at least 1 hour per week, though we welcome anyone who wants to volunteer as much as 2-4 hours of their time weekly.

Volunteers can help during pantry operating hours and/or assist with inventory when deliveries arrive. During operating hours, you’ll supervise the pantry, greeting and assisting clients. For inventory shifts, you’ll help receive donations at the IMU, weighing donations and stocking pantry shelves.

In addition to FERPA training, all volunteers are required to complete an online ICON course to learn about duties, responsibilities, and expectations. If you’re ready to make a difference on campus, email us at studorg-foodpantry@uiowa.edu to get started!