The Food Pantry at Iowa is dedicated to providing support to those experiencing food insecurity, and we are committed to maintaining the privacy and dignity of their clients. If you have any specific questions or concerns not addressed in this FAQ, please feel free to reach out directly to the Food Pantry (email: stuorg-foodpantry@uiowa.edu) for assistance.

About the Food Pantry at Iowa and Clothing Closet at Iowa

The Food Pantry at Iowa is a resource for University of Iowa students, faculty, and staff who are in need of nutritious food and essentials. It was established in the Fall of 2016 in the Iowa House Hotel by a group of motivated undergraduate students who recognized the issue of food insecurity on campus.

The Food Pantry at Iowa is open to University of Iowa students, faculty, and staff. It is designed to assist those who may be struggling to afford basic necessities.

The Food Pantry is housed in the basement of the Iowa Memorial Union in room G200.

map of the ground floor of the imu

Mission and Values

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.

Accessing the Food Pantry

The Food Pantry at Iowa is open to University of Iowa students, faculty, and staff who are facing food insecurity. Clients must be affiliated with the university to access its services.

Clients typically need to provide their university ID (Iowa One Card) or another form of identification to verify their affiliation with the University of Iowa. A member of our team will assist you in using your ID to check-in. 

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

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

Clients can use the Clothing Closet at Iowa as often as needed but are limited to 10 items each semester. Clients may rotate the garments they select, by bringing them back to the closet and exchanging them for new goods during open hours, as long as the 10 item limit is maintained. 

Hours of Operation

The operating hours of the Food Pantry may vary each semester, so it's a good idea to check our official website, social media or contact us directly for the most up-to-date information on our hours of operation.

Items and Services

The Food Pantry offers a range of non-perishable food items, personal hygiene products, and clothing through our Clothing Closet. The specific items available may vary, but we aim to provide a variety of nutritious options.

While there may be guidelines in place to ensure fairness and adequate supply for all clients, it's best to inquire with the Food Pantry about any specific limits on items you can access during your visit.

Confidentiality and Privacy

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. 

Getting Involved

The Food Pantry at Iowa actively encourages involvement from anyone on campus, regardless of their position. You can participate in various events and initiatives throughout the year, such as food drives, hunger banquets, and cooking demonstrations. These activities help raise awareness about food insecurity and contribute to making a positive change.

Advocacy and Awareness

The Food Pantry at Iowa hosts a variety of hunger awareness events throughout the year. These events include food drives, hunger banquets, and cooking demonstrations, with the goal of highlighting the issue of college food insecurity and advocating for change.

You can join the Food Pantry at Iowa in its mission by participating in events and initiatives, donating food or resources, or spreading awareness about the issue of food insecurity among college students. By getting involved, you can make a meaningful contribution to the cause.

Support and Donations

Yes, the Food Pantry welcomes donations. Non-perishable food items, personal hygiene products, and monetary contributions are always appreciated. You can check their website or contact them directly for specific items they may need at any given time.

Yes, the Food Pantry at Iowa often seeks volunteers to help with various activities and events. If you're interested in volunteering, you can contact the Food Pantry directly for more information on available opportunities.