Programs

Student Support Services hosts programs of varying formats to raise awareness, provide support, develop community and engage the community in learning about first-generation, lower-income, and undocumented grad/professional students.

On Campus

Student Support Services provides a variety of assistance to students with food security issues. Please contact Student Support Services at studentsupport@uchicago.edu or 773.702.2435 to learn more. You may also fill out a quick form requesting assistance (bit.ly/FoodSecurityUChicago). 

Please note requests are reviewed during regular business hours (9am-5pm, Mon-Fri). For urgent needs or afterhours requests students may also contact the various Emergency Resources on Campus, including the Dean-on-Call program.

We encourage you to contact us if you or a student you know is experiencing hunger, worried that food will run out, or has to skip meals. SSS staff can help students access the resources below and guide students in finding additional resources not listed. 

  • Current Resources
    We currently offer three main resources. Two resources, Hyde Park Produce Voucher (HPPV) and the Dining Commons Meal Credit (DCMC), are available year-round and Spring Break Meal Program (SBMP) is offered specifically during the week of spring break. Please note these resources are meant as short-term assistance. If you or a student you know could benefit from longer-term support, please contact Student Support Services to explore other options.
    • The Hyde Park Produce Voucher program is available for students from autumn 2018 through spring 2019. It consists of a $50 credit to Hyde Park Produce.
    • The Dining Commons Meal Credit program offers five meal swipes for use (for any meal) at any of the three dining commons on campus.
    • Spring Break Meal Program provides access to three meals a day for the week of spring break. Students have a “pick up” or “dine in” option. 

    State Resources
    • Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP)
    • Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
      • Apply: Call 217.782.2166

  • Local Food Pantries
    • Hyde Park Union Church
      Address:     5600 S. Woodlawn Ave, Chicago, IL 60637
      Phone:        773.363.6063
      Frequency: Every Saturday from 10am – 1pm
    • KLEO Community Family Life Center
      Address:     119 E. Garfield Blvd, Chicago, IL 60637
      Phone:        773.702.2939
      Frequency:  First Wednesday of each month from 2-5pm
    • St. Paul & Redeemer
      Address:     4945 S. Dorchester Ave, Chicago, IL 60615
      Phone:        773.624.3185
      Frequency: Every Wednesday from 3:30 – 5:30pm
    • Comer Children’s Hospital
      Address:     5721 S. Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL 60615
      Phone:        773.702.1000
      Frequency: Open to patients and families every day

To find a food pantry near you, please visit: www.chicagofoodbank.org/find-food
Please call food pantry directly or check their website to assure you are eligible and have all required materials.

The Spring Break Meal Program (SBMP) provides access to free, healthful meal options as well as opportunities for students to build community over spring break (March 23 - March 27). 

Undergraduate, graduate, and professional students who already experience food insecurity or anticipate experiencing food insecurity during spring break may be eligible to receive food resources and access support through the program.  SBMP is a collaboration of the Center for College Student Success, Student Support Services, and UChicago Dining.
Community events are open to all.  

Application Link: https://ucinclusion.wufoo.com/forms/q11786xe0cq368r/

Application Deadline: March 15 at 5:00PM 

The application involves a few questions about your personal situation and food preferences. 

Update: As of March 13, 2020, Spring Break Meal Program will still be available for students. We will send out more information in an email to all those who have already filled out the form. However, the associated social activities will be cancelled. 

Have an idea for an event, an activity, or a need on campus that directly impacts first-generation, low-income, undocumented, and/or immigrant students, particularyly graduate/professional students? Submit it to SSS!

SSS is pleased to support student-led program or event initiatives. These initiatives include, but are not limited to lectures, invited speakers, social activities, community engagement, art initiatives, and other programs or events on topics that pertain to first-generation, low-income, undocumented, or immigrant students at the University of Chicago. Individual research or travel by UChicago students will not be considered. SSS collaboration may include, but is not limited to, planning, financial, marketing, and/or thematic support. To have your idea considered, please submit a proposal.

Proposal guidelines:

  • Proposal should include a description of the proposed activities including:
    • Basic logistical information: title, date, time, place
    • Participants: main participants, such as invited speakers including UChicago affiliates, moderators, workshop leaders
    • Audience: intended audience and ways to engage them
    • Description of the content and thematic significance
    • Itemized project budget including, whenever available, other funding sources secured or sought
  • Participation in all activities must be free.
  • The event must take place at the University of Chicago Hyde Park campus or in a venue within Chicagoland.
  • Individual research projects or travel by University of Chicago students and faculty are ineligible proposals.

Proposals will be considered on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted. Please submit your proposal to studentsupport@uchicago.edu or drop off a hard copy at 5710 S. Woodlawn Ave.

Please contact studentsupport@uchicago.edu with any questions.