Food. Like music or art or a good story, food connects us. It brings us together at the table. It fills our bellies and fulfills our souls. But what happens if we don't, or can't, get enough? For many college students, this is their reality.
More than one-third of college students across the nation experience food insecurity.
This is a scary fact, we know. And we know you are doing your best to support your student while they're away from home. Here are three things you can share with your student if they find they are struggling with food insecurity or just need other options.
Changing Their Meal Plan
Choosing the right meal plan can be tricky, especially for first-year students. You probably helped your student pick their meal plan, making your best guess at what would closest fit their needs without exceeding them.
If your student is living on campus and has the Baseline Plan, but thinks they need to up-or-downgrade their plan, they have that option.
Your student will be able to request a change for their Spring Semester Baseline Plan from December 2-December 15. Students will get an email from University Housing on December 2 with directions on how to make the change by accessing the Housing Gateway.
Helping Hand Pantry
Located in Bowman Hall on the fourth floor, Helping Hand Pantry is our on-campus resource if your student is seeking food support. Helping Hand strives to provide healthy and filling options along with quick and easy meals and snacks.
If you or your student have questions, need information, or would like to schedule an appointment, please email Helping Hand at foodpantry@uwstout.edu.
Off-Campus
Your student has food options off-campus, as well. The Dunn County Transit has bus routes to Market Place Foods and Walmart in north Menomonie, and Stepping Stones, east of campus. Your student can ride the bus for free with their Stout ID.
The Stepping Stones Food Pantry provides food and personal care items to low-income residents of Dunn County. With more than 1,400 patrons visiting per month, no one is ever turned away from Stepping Stones. However, recommended eligibility guidelines are that patrons are Dunn County residents with an income below 185% of the federal poverty level.
If you or your student have questions, please email Stepping Stones at foodpantry@steppingstonesdc.org.