Contact the Basic Needs Program
We know that, as a student, you have a lot of things on your plate. But with the rising cost of education, housing, and other expenses, your plate might be lacking one vital item—food.
The University of Oregon recognizes the importance of proper nutrition, and that having enough food contributes to your academic success. That’s why our campus and community partners are continuing to take steps to address food insecurity in the lives of our students.
Many of these programs are made possible with joint funding from Associated Students of the University of Oregon and the Office of the President.
In partnership with FOOD for Lane County and Trillium Produce Plus, the UO Student Sustainability Center’s program in the EMU Amphitheater places fresh produce directly into the shopping bags of UO students who self-identify as living at or below 200 percent of the Federal poverty level.
Like a free farmer’s market for students, you can select the fruits and vegetables you’d like, and receive printed recipes that use ingredients available at the market that day. Produce Drop is held on every Tuesday from 2:45–5:00 p.m.
Do you ever find yourself at the end of the month, short on cash, and missing meals in order to pay for other necessities? The Ducks Feeding Ducks program, managed by the EMU ID Card Office, can transfer $12 to your account for use at any campus food venue that accepts Duck Bucks.
As a UO student, simply apply online. If you meet the criteria, the funds will be added to your account within an hour.
There is also a donation component for students, UO employees, and family members who would like to contribute to Ducks Feeding Ducks.
Many students qualify for SNAP based on their financial need, but are often unaware of their eligibility. The Basic Needs Program and the Duck Nest collaborate with Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon and the Oregon Department of Human Services to teach students about the program and provide application assistance, if eligible.
SNAP enrollment events are held on campus each term. Trained volunteers will be available to answer any questions, and help you fill out your SNAP application.
The Student Food Pantry—a partnership between the Basic Needs Program, Episcopal Campus Ministries, and FOOD for Lane County—is open to all college students in the greater Eugene area. Founded in 2011, the pantry provides free supplemental food for college students. Depending upon availability, this may include canned fruits and vegetables; frozen and fresh vegetables; bread, rice, pasta, and cereal; canned beans, soups, and other protein sources; dairy products, frozen meats, and meat substitutes. Additional quantities are given to students with children.
Students may come to the pantry once a week on Wednesday or Thursday, 4:00–6:00 p.m. The Student Food Pantry is located at 710 E. 17th Ave, Eugene. Bring your student ID card and a grocery bag.
The Ducks Leftover Textover program alerts current UO students via text message when there is leftover, free food available on campus. These leftover portions come from campus events where food was ordered from UO Catering, but not all of it was consumed.
Texts to announce available food will occur in real time—typically with about 15 minutes notice—and include a location link on the UO campus map.
Sign up for Ducks Leftover Textover
Want to donate your catering leftovers to Textovers?
Contact UO Catering directly.
There are several options for students who want to learn how to cook healthy, affordable meals.
In partnership with FOOD for Lane County, the Duck Nest offers cooking classes throughout the year. Participants learn how to stretch their food dollars through meal planning and shopping wisely.
The Department of Physical Education and Recreation holds a weekend class each term, PEF 335 Healthy Cooking. The class combines lectures and activities to explore the basics of cooking and nutrition, including a grocery store tour, learning to read food labels, and basic kitchen techniques.
Contact Us
For more information about UO food security initiatives or to get involved in one of our programs, contact Julia Morrill, director of basic needs and off-campus support, within the Office of the Dean of Students, at jmorril5@uoregon.edu.