Do college students experience food insecurity?

The simple answer is yes!  One in three college students face or experience food insecurity and one survey showed that more than 56% of first generation students identified themselves as food insecure.  Learn More

So why is this happening?  Sometimes students struggle to afford food due to tuition, housing, and meal plan costs.  Family responsibilities, the cost of commuting to campus, employment (or lack there of), and the ever rising costs of living expenses can also impact finances.  Some student then choose to cut back on food, or skip meals, to be able to afford their education. 

So what can a student do? CU Denver has a number of supports to students who need assistance:

• Lynx Food Pantry - Located on the 3rd floor of the Wellness Center.  All students are allocated 10 points each week to use on items fron the Lynx Food Pantry, whether it's just to grab a snack for the day or to help out with a meal.  Remember to bring your student ID when you visit the food pantry.
• Share Meals - Newly launched in November 2022, CU Denver has partnered with MSU Denver, the Community College of Denver and the Auraria Sustainable Campus Program (ASCP).  Download the app and find when free food is available on campus: Programs and events with food OR food left over from a program that planner would rather give away than throw away!  Take advantage of this great new service. 
• Single Stop Office - Housed in the Wellness Center, this office will assist you in navigating food insecurity.  You can email them at singlestop@ucdenver.edu

Are there other options? There sure are! 

• SNAP Benefits:  Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Food Bank of the Rockies Mobile Food Pantries

Your helping hands mean the world to people in need of food. There are so many ways to volunteer at Food Bank of the Rockies, and every bit helps us help others. We provide the training, the safe environment, and the communal fun. All you have to do is show up.  Learn more about the Food Bank of the Rockies