EIU Civic Engagement and Volunteerism

EIU CAMPUS FOOD PANTRY

The EIU Campus Food Pantry opened on October 1, 2021. The EIU Campus Food Pantry serves anyone who has a Panther Card. The goal of the EIU Campus Food Pantry is to support those needing help to put food on their table. Panthers are eligible to visit the EIU Campus Food Pantry two times per month.

The experience of food insecurity – the risk of being without reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food - is becoming a typical experience for many college students. The vision of the EIU Campus Food Pantry is to establish a means to support students and the campus community by alleviating barriers to consistent, adequate, and healthful food. To meet the needs of our campus community, the EIU Campus Food Pantry is rooted in the core ideal that Panthers protect Panthers. It is maintained and sustained by members of the EIU students, staff, and faculty, and reflective of the University’s mission to nurture diversity and inclusion within a student-centered campus culture.

Students and staff only need to bring their EIU Panther Card in order to receive support. No income or financial data will be asked for.

The EIU Campus Food Pantry is located at 1347 McAfee. It will be open the following days and times when classes are in session:

                        Monday 1:30-3:30pm

                        Tuesday 3-5pm

                        Wednesday 1:30-3:30pm and 5-7pm

                        Thursday 2-4pm

                        Friday 2-4pm

*Alternative Pickup time*
If the current pantry hours don't work for you. You may fill out the Alternative Pickup Time form.
Once submitted, a staff member in OLE will reach out to setup a time for you to pick up your food. We do ask that you give us 1-2 business days to follow up with you. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How often can I come?
Students are eligible to visit the EIU Campus Food Pantry two times each month.

What do I need to bring?
Students and staff only need to bring their EIU Panther Card in order to receive support. No income or financial data will be asked for.  

What kind of food items will be available?

The kind of food that will be shared will include Ravioli, peanut butter and jelly, canned veggies and fruits, soup, cereal, pasta or rice, macaroni and cheese, and fresh foods such as bread, milk, eggs, and fresh produce.

How much food will I receive?
Each time a Panther visits the pantry they will be sent home with enough food for roughly 9 meals for one person.

Can I get food for me and my roommates?
Each Panther will be served on an individual basis. Your roommates are welcome to come to the EIU Campus Food Pantry to receive their own food.

What other pantries are in our area?
There are two other pantries in Charleston and our students are eligible to visit them all as needed.
Charleston Food Pantry 
Standing Stone - Carpenters Table Food Pantry 

I have a different question- who can I ask?
Give us a call at (217) 581-3967 and ask for Crystal Brown. You can also email us at: volunteer@eiu.edu

HOW CAN I SUPPORT THE EIU CAMPUS FOOD PANTRY?

Volunteer
The EIU Campus Food Pantry is staffed with volunteers! We need 4-5 people to help us each time the pantry is open. If you want to register for one of those spots, please sign up through our website on the Volunteer Now page. 

Donate $$
100% of the EIU Campus Food Pantry budget comes from the generous donations from individuals both on and off campus. $1 will provide enough food for 3 meals for a student.

Click here to make a tax deductible donation that will directly support our EIU Panthers!

If you are an EIU employee- payroll deductions are an option to donate too! If you are interested in this, you may set this up using the online form or by contacting Crystal Brown at cmbrown6@eiu.edu and we can get you a payroll deduction card to fill out. 

With your help, we can support every student who needs this critical resource. Every gift, and every dollar will make a significant difference in the lives of our EIU Panthers. Thank you!

Donate items
We accept donations of non perishable food items throughout the year. To schedule a time to donate items please email us at: volunteer@eiu.edu

If you are interested in organizing a drive please email us at: volunteer@eiu.edu and we are thrilled to partner together.

Current Wish List:
Rice
Canned Chicken
Spaghetti O's
Canned Corn
Chicken Noodle Soup
Can Openers

We can also always use staple items such as:

• Individual Fruit Cups
  • Apple Sauce, Peaches, Pears
• Rice
• Spaghetti noodles
• Beef ravioli
• Fresh produce.