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 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.
2019-20 HOURS OF OPERATION
The Summer 2020 hours of operation are 1-4 p.m. 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 as well.
To accommodate the need for safety and reduced time within the pantry, we are asking for 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.
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.
Your Donations Help Our Students
Northeastern's food pantry is supported in part through the Greater Chicago Food Depository's Healthy Kids Market, which provides a mix of fresh fruits and vegetables and shelf stable food items for students who may not be able to visit a traditional food pantry. The remainder of the donations are a collaborative effort among Northeastern faculty, staff, alumni, and students.
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
- Granola bars
- Canned soup
- Rice
- Shelf-stable milk
- Oatmeal
- Tea
- Coffee
- 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 of 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.
Where to drop off donations?
- Academic and Community Partnerships (E 047 C)
- Advising Center (LWH 0027)
- Angelina Pedroso Center (B 159)
- Learning Success Center (4th floor of the Library)
- Project Success/Proyecto Pa'Lante (LWH 4029)
- Student Disability Services (D 104)
- Student Leadership Development (B 159)
- NEIU Police Station
