Types of Assistance: Eligible students will receive appropriate types of basic needs or food assistance based on the immediacy of need, severity of the need, and their unique circumstances. A student may be eligible for multiple types of assistance.

Types of food assistance include on-campus food assistance with access to on-campus dining and/or information assistance to off-campus food resources.

• On-Campus Food Assistance
  • Food Pantry access
  • Flex Dollars (added to account)
  • Meal swipes (added to account)
  • Meal vouchers (physical card)
• Off-Campus Food Assistance Resources
  • SNAP Benefits
  • Food Pantries
  • Other community organizations

Types of basic needs assistance include on-campus pantry access with items such as personal hygiene products and school supplies, and limited transportation assistance.

Informational Assistance: Students may receive assistance from the Student Care Coordinator to identify and connect with community resources for emergency housing, childcare, healthcare, financial support services, as well as food resources such as SNAP benefits and local food pantries.

Financial Aid: The Food Security Assistance Program is not a substitute for financial aid or student loans. All financial aid and student loan options must be explored before being considered. The Food Security Assistance Program is not tied to grants, scholarships, or other financial aid.

Application Limit: Students are not limited to the number of applications they may submit per academic year.

For access to on-campus basic needs and food pantry items, no formal application is required. Students may visit the pantry during posted hours and complete a brief check-in form using their student ID to help track usage and interest. For additional on-campus food assistance such as meal swipes, meal vouchers, or flex dollars, students must submit an application. Awards are determined by need and are subject to the availability of funds or meal support resources.

Flex Dollars: Flex Dollar balances will carry over between fall and spring semesters each year but expire at the end of an academic year. No sales tax is added to student purchases made with Flex Dollars.

Meal Swipes: Meal swipe balances will carry over between fall and spring semesters each year but expire at the end of the academic year.

Student Care Pantry Access and Usage: A basic needs and food pantry is available on campus to provide students with access to free, essential non-perishable food items, hygiene supplies, and basic household goods.

• The pantry operates on a limited access model, available via posted walk-in hours or by appointment through the Student Care Coordinator.
• Due to limited space and inventory, students may access the pantry once per week.
• During each visit, students may select up to 8 items total, including:
  • Up to 5 food items
  • 2 hygiene items
  • 1 household/basic needs item

Inventory limits may be adjusted based on availability, and signage will reflect any changes.

Food insecurity means that consistent access to adequate food to live an active, healthy life is limited by lack of money or other resources.

Basic needs refer to essential resources necessary for a person’s health and well-being, including access to nutritious food, stable housing, healthcare, childcare, transportation, and financial resources.

Current and active student refers to an individual who is enrolled full-time or part-time for the current or subsequent semester. Student must be enrolled in credit-bearing courses and actively participating in academic coursework and activities.

Break in studies refers to periods of time when a student suspends their enrollment and takes time off from their academic pursuits. Breaks in studies is distinct from the regular breaks between semesters, such as winter break or summer break, as long as the student remains registered for the subsequent semester.

Degree-seeking or certificate program refers to an academic program in which a student is formally enrolled with the intent to complete a recognized credential. This includes associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree programs, as well as credit-bearing certificate programs approved by the University. Students must be enrolled in courses that contribute directly toward the completion of their declared academic program.

Leave of absence refers to a formal arrangement that allows a student to temporarily suspend their enrollment and take time off from their academic pursuits for a specified period of time.

Academic year begins July 1 and ends June 30.

Students who are experiencing food insecurity or other basic needs challenges can request assistance by self-identifying through the online application, an EARS self-referral, or other means. Students are not required to fill out the online application to request food assistance but can complete the application as a way to self-identify.

Students will meet with the Student Care Coordinator to discuss their situation in a caring and supportive environment. Students are not required to disclose in-depth details but will be encouraged to share about their needs and receive support. The Student Care Coordinator will assess the level and immediacy of the need.

The Student Care Coordinator will utilize EARS to consult with appropriate departments, such as Financial Aid and Student Accounts, to gather information and determine additional support opportunities for the student. This may include working with Financial Aid to explore available funding options, such as grants, loans, or emergency aid, as appropriate to the student’s individual situation. The Student Care Coordinator will determine the type of assistance that best fits with the student’s needs and take appropriate next steps.

If the student has been awarded on-campus food assistance, the Student Care Coordinator will provide physical meal vouchers or coordinate with Aramark staff to add Flex Dollars or swipes to the student’s account, and/or facilitate access to the on-campus Basic Needs and Food Pantry. If off-campus support is more appropriate based on the student’s situation, the Student Care Coordinator will assist the student with identifying and connecting with community food resources, such as applying for SNAP benefits or accessing local food pantries.

A Basic Needs and Food Pantry is available on campus to provide currently enrolled students with access to free, essential non-perishable food items, hygiene supplies, and basic household goods. The pantry is located in Sohlberg 116, a secured room accessible by key, and operates during scheduled walk-in hours as well as by appointment through the Student Care Coordinator.

Due to limited space and inventory, students may access the pantry once per week. During each visit, students may select up to 8 total items, including up to 5 food items, 2 hygiene items, and 1 household/basic needs item. Inventory limits may be adjusted based on availability, and appropriate signage will communicate any temporary changes to item limits.

The Student Care Coordinator oversees pantry operations and scheduling. A designated student volunteer coordinator or student worker, often from the Student Government Association or 5 other student organizations, assists with volunteer coordination, inventory management, and outreach efforts to promote pantry resources and reduce stigma on campus.

To monitor usage and ensure equitable access, all pantry users are asked to complete a brief Microsoft Form prior to each visit. The form collects basic information, including Student ID, visit date, and the types of items requested. This data is used solely for tracking pantry usage patterns, inventory planning, and future expansion efforts. All information collected is kept confidential and used in accordance with university privacy policies.

In addition to pantry support, students may also request assistance with other basic needs, including housing, utilities, internet access, healthcare, transportation, childcare, and financial emergencies. The Student Care Coordinator will explore available on-campus and communitybased resources to provide a comprehensive support plan tailored to the student’s situation.

This may include:

• Housing insecurity: Connecting students to the campus HOUSE Liaison and local organizations such as StreetLight Chicago, The Night Ministry, Covenant House, or Brave Space Alliance for emergency shelter or transitional housing support.
• Utility and internet assistance: Assisting students with applications for programs such as LIHEAP, ComEd Hardship grants, or low-cost internet services like Comcast Internet Essentials or AT&T Access.
• Healthcare and mental health services: Coordinating with on-campus Health Services and Counseling Support Services and referring students to off-campus care options through ThrivingCampus or community health clinics. Assistance with applying for insurance or charity care programs may also be provided.
• Childcare resources: Helping students explore subsidized childcare options through CCAP or referrals via Illinois Action for Children.
• Transportation support: Guiding students in accessing transportation assistance such as the Ventra U-Pass, campus shuttle, or reduced fare CTA programs.
• Emergency financial needs: Assessing eligibility for limited emergency aid through the Student Care Program, or support through the Textbook and Course Supply Assistance Program, which awards funds to help defray the cost of textbooks or course materials for students facing financial hardship. When appropriate, the Student Care Coordinator may also connect students to community-based resources for clothing, household items, or low-cost technology.

Support is provided on a case-by-case basis and tailored to each student’s specific needs. The Student Care Coordinator will conduct follow-up as needed to ensure students remain connected to appropriate resources and ongoing assistance.

Each semester, the Student Care Coordinator will establish and communicate open pantry hours for students to access basic needs resources. In addition to walk-in hours, students may 6 also access pantry resources or other support by emailing the Student Care Coordinator to schedule a private appointment, an EARS self-referral, or other means. The pantry is located in Sohlberg 116, a secured room accessible only by authorized staff and designated volunteers/ student workers. A student volunteer coordinator or student worker assists in managing pantry operations, scheduling volunteers, and conducting outreach to the campus community. The Student Care Coordinator oversees the operation of the Basic Needs and Food Pantry and has the authority to adjust hours of operation, access procedures, and visit parameters as needed to best meet the evolving needs of students.

Student organizations, faculty, staff, and community members are encouraged to support the Student Care Pantry and basic needs initiatives by:

• Promoting pantry resources and events through their networks and communications to raise awareness across campus.
• Organizing or participating in volunteer activities such as food drives, pantry shifts, and fundraising efforts.
• Contributing directly by purchasing needed items from the Amazon wish list or donating other non-perishable goods and supplies.
• Advocating for ongoing support and development of resources to ensure sustainable assistance for students experiencing basic needs insecurity.

To further engage the campus community, the Student Care Pantry embraces the “Give Food, Give Time, Give Funds” model:

Give Food: Encourage student groups and campus organizations to host targeted food and essential item donation drives aligned with pantry needs.

Give Time: Facilitate volunteer opportunities for students and staff to assist with pantry operations, including stocking, organizing, and outreach. To maintain effective pantry operations and manageable scheduling, the pantry supports up to 10 volunteer hours per week, covering all volunteer activities such as pantry shifts, restocking, and outreach events

Give Funds: Support fundraising efforts and financial contributions from student government allocations, clubs, or campus campaigns to sustain pantry inventory and expand services.