Lang
8/27/23
The University of Iowa food pantry has moved to a new location in the Iowa Memorial Union.
The food pantry was previously located on the IMU’s second floor. The Daily Iowan reports it has now moved to the former Hills Bank location on the IMU’s ground floor just in time for the 2023-24 school year. Officials say the new location gives the food pantry more visibility and storage space.
Items from the food pantry and clothing closet are available to anyone with a University of Iowa ID. UI Student Government recently approved pantry funding that includes $60,000 per year for the next five years. The DI reports the pantry was previously run by a student organization, received funds from stipends, and staff was being paid just $2 per hour. Workers now receive equitable pay.
The pantry’s hours have been extended from 12 a week to 27. It’s open Tuesdays through Fridays.
Food pantry officials told the DI 40% of UI students are food insecure, and its clientele increased 84% between August of 2021 and August of 2022.