Vision
Aligning with Northern Illinois University's values of promoting personal, professional, and intellectual growth, the Huskie Food Pantry’s vision is to increase the opportunity for all NIU students to thrive by providing access to a sustainable, supplemental source of healthful food options and auxiliary resources.
Mission
With aid from the DeKalb, Sycamore and NIU communities, we provide exceptional student-to-student support — in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere where students have the opportunity to obtain quality foods and resources to alleviate hunger and the associated stresses. We strive to empower students to learn from one another through genuine conversations, volunteer work and leadership opportunities.
Operations
The Huskie Food Pantry is fully supported by the generous financial donations, pre-planned food drives and volunteer efforts from our Huskie Family. We use all financial donations to directly purchase food and personal supplies for our students in conjunction with our partners at the Northern Illinois Food Bank. The Huskie Food Pantry is open twice a week, Wednesday and Thursday, 4-6:00 p.m. at the Chick Evans Fieldhouse.
Your donation supports the well-being and retention of students in need of consistent access to food. This past fall 2024 semester, 730 unique students (an increase of 88 unique students from the fall 2023 semester) used the Huskie Food Pantry over the course of 31 openings. Our students in large numbers identify as first-generation college students, graduate students and international students. Thanks to our generous donors we are able to purchase a full-cow's worth of meat from a local farmer each semester allowing us to always have meat available on a weekly basis.
From Our Students
"The pantry at its core illustrates the power of community. From a student leader’s perspective, I am able to speak with many different clubs, professors, administration, and individual students who take time out of their busy schedules to help fellow students. I also am able to work with an incredible team of student leaders who each bring their unique skills and passion to create a better student experience at NIU." - Emily Larrivee, Junior, Operations & Information Management major
"Your gifts are appreciated more than you'll ever know. Getting a few extra meals a week has kept me healthy and focused." by an anonymous student
"I have been able to get food at the pantry and get through the semester because of your generous donations. Thank you!" by an anonymous student
Community Recognition
The Huskie Food Pantry was recently featured at the Cup of Hope Fundraiser hosted by the Northern Illinois Food Bank, highlighting the importance of student access to quality and nutritious items. Current student, Leah Zack, speaks on how The Huskie Food Pantry has supported her overall health and academic success.
