On-Campus Food Pantry Opens

DU Feeds, Dominican University’s initiative to address food insecurity on campus, gained a permanent home this school year.

The DU Feeds Food Pantry opened in early November in Mazzuchelli 276, a former office space just steps from the Center for Cultural Liberation. Sponsored by the Student Nutrition and Dietetics Association, the pantry allows for the storage of nonperishable, nutritious food items from which students can select at no cost during designated hours, two to three days each week.

The permanent food pantry replaces the less frequent “pop-up” food distribution events previously held on campus.

“It feels good that we are feeding students and that people can access more than they have in the past,” said DU Feeds Student Coordinator Anna Martucci.

According to a survey of 478 students who responded in 2022, 29% identified some level of food insecurity, said Dr. Sarah Jones, assistant professor of nutrition sciences at Dominican.

“The motto of DU Feeds is ‘no student should go to class hungry,’” she said. “Now that we have a permanent location, I think we can continue with that motto in even bigger ways.”

Funding for DU Feeds has come largely from private donations.

“DU Feeds has seen an outpouring of donations from faculty and staff, and also from our alumnae/i," said Sara Acosta, vice president for University Advancement. “Their generosity has provided for expanded hours and resources, along with equipment in DU Feeds’ new location in Mazzuchelli Hall. We are incredibly grateful for this support, which ensures students have access to healthy food.”

For more information on making a financial donation, visit the DU Feeds Initiative page.