Northeastern's Student Pantry opened in Fall 2015 under the sponsorship of the Division of Student Affairs. The original plan for the Student Pantry was developed through a grassroots effort during the Fall 2012 semester among faculty, staff and students who shared an interest in finding ways to address the problem of hunger among NEIU students. Contact us directly at student-pantry@neiu.edu.
The NEIU Student Pantry is supported greatly due to our partnership with the Greater Chicago Food Depository (GCFD). GCFD is an organization to help end food insecurity within Chicago and the Greater Chicagoland area. With their support, the NEIU Student Pantry receives many donations such as produce, canned and bagged items. Visit the GCFD website to learn more.
The primary objectives of the NEIU Student Pantry include:
- Provide support and assistance to students struggling with food insecurity;
- Improve academic success by improving access to on-going sources of nutrition for our students;
- Provide hands-on volunteer leadership experiences for students while increasing their commitment to civic engagement;
- Develop internship opportunities for students in academic programs including Social Work, Communication, Community Health, Business Management and Justice Studies.
2020-2021 HOURS OF OPERATION
The Student Pantry is open for the Spring 2021 semester to current NEIU students. Hours of operation are 1-4 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays.
Closings due to observed holiday breaks or emergency closures will be broadcast via Targeted Announcements and posted as notices through the Student Pantry's Facebook page and CollegiateLink page.
Process for retrieving food
- You must register with the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Create a profile by providing your basic information. Upon completion, you will receive a seven-digit Client ID number. You will need that Client ID number in order to complete Step 2.
- To accommodate the need for safety and reduced time within the pantry, we are asking visitors to submit their request for food items ahead of time to be pre-packaged. Complete the request form and note what day and time you wish to pick up the food.
- On the day and time of your order, retrieve it either at the Student Pantry if you are a commuter student, or in the main lobby of the Nest Residence Hall if you live on campus.
Finding a Food pantry near you
For students who do not live on or close to campus and are in need of food assistance, Greater Chicago Food Depository provides an up-to-date listing of pantries across Chicago.
Ways to Donate
monetary donations
Monetary donations can be made online to the Student Pantry Fund. Monetary donations will be utilized to provide the Pantry with supplies and non-perishable foods in addition to what is already available in the Pantry from tangible donations.
When donating, be sure to designate the Student Pantry.
High-Demand items
The Pantry is in continuous need of items donated; of which include items listed below, but not limited to:
- Peanut butter
- Fruit cans
- Granola bars
- Canned soup
- Rice
- Macaroni products
- Shelf-stable milk
- Oatmeal
- Seasonings
- Cooking Oils
- Baby food/formula
- Diapers
- Reusable grocery bags
- Toiletries (shampoo, soap, shower gel, toothpaste, etc.)
If you have suggestions for any food items that should be made available to visitors of the Student Pantry, you can make them by completing this form.
Food Items
Beans, canned fruit, canned vegetables, cereal, chili, jelly, macaroni and cheese, pasta, pasta sauce, peanut butter, shelf-stable milk, soup, stew, rice, tuna etc.
Non-food Items
Personal hygiene products, diapers, facial tissue, paper towels, toilet paper, shampoo, body wash, deodorant etc.
What cannot be donated?
Opened or partially used items, including canned, bottled and dried goods, products not in their original packaging, products with no ingredient information labels, homemade or home-canned products, products that have been contaminated, alcoholic beverages or energy drinks of any kind, expired products, pet food, clothing, cleaning supplies, toys.
Drop-off locations
- NEIU Student Pantry (E 050 A)
- Angelina Pedroso Center (B 159)
- Student Leadership Development (B 159)
- NEIU Police Station (PF 104)
