Food Support During Government Shutdown
UNC is committed to supporting health and well-being in our community. If you’re a current UNC student or employee and your SNAP benefits have been disrupted due to the federal government shutdown, you can request additional food support beyond the food support programs listed below. Starting the week of November 3, individuals whose SNAP benefits have been disrupted will be eligible to:
- Take up to 12 items from the Bear Pantry each week (rather that the usual seven items), and
- Request grocer gift cards as a supplement to the food offered in the Bear Pantry.
To request access to these temporary benefits, complete this form and staff will reach out with more information. We do not expect that these temporary benefits will be able to replace all of the SNAP benefits that have been suspended, but we think these benefits will provide meaningful support.
Mobile Food Pantry Information
Date |
Time |
Location |
| Tuesday, September 9 | 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Parking Lot C |
| Tuesday, October 14 | 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Parking Lot C |
| Tuesday, November 11 | 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Parking Lot C |
Access to Nutritious Food & Other Essentials
UNC strives to ensure that all community members—students and employees—have access to the food and basic non-food items they need.
Bear Pantry at UNC
Students and employees who are having trouble accessing the food they needare able to visit the Bear Pantry (located on the lower level of the University Center in Greeley) once per week and can choose up to seven food or non-food items at no cost.
There is no reservation required, simply stop by the pantry during open hours. The only requirement to receive items is that you have a current Bear ID Number.
Available items change from week to week, but often include milk and milk alternatives, pasta, soups, canned tuna, rice, peanut butter, cheese, tofu, eggs, snacks, frozen meat and meat alternatives, laundry detergent, toothpaste, and paper towels. Free menstrual products and sexual health products are also available.
Mobile Food Pantry
The colorful truck from the Weld Food Bank Mobile Food Pantry comes to campus multiple times each year, offering UNC students and community members access to fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy, meat, and baked goods (exact items are different at each event). Bring your bags, if you have them, because you will get a lot of food!
During the event times the Bear Pantry is closed and returns to normal evening hours after the conclusion of the event.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP is part of a federal nutrition program to help low-income households purchase food. It provides a monthly benefit that helps families and individuals buy the food they need for good health.
Many college students qualify for SNAP but never apply.
Who can help? Case managers in the Center for Student Well-Being are available to guide students with assessing their SNAP eligibility and to support students with SNAP applications. If you are a student and you’d like support exploring your SNAP eligibility or applying to SNAP, just e-mail csw@unco.edu.
Bear Share Meals
Students experiencing food insecurity can request up to three meals that will be added to their university ID card to be utilized at Homes Dining Hall.
To qualify for this program, students must either 1) not have a UNC meal plan or 2) have exhausted (or nearly exhausted) their meal plan and Dining Dollar balances. Click here to learn more and apply.
The Center for Student Well-Being
For students, resource navigators in UNC’s Center for Student Well-Being—a one-stop shop for basic needs—can help students solve problems related to:
- Food
- Childcare
- Transportation
- Housing
- Utilities
- Health Insurance
- Medical Care
- Counseling and Mental Health
- Clothing
- Emergency Financial Support
Other Community Resources
Weld Food Bank Guests can shop for the food they need.
Mobile Food Pantry See where and when to access this Mobile Pantry in and around Greeley and Weld County.
Weld County WIC: Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children
211 This confidential and multilingual service connects people to vital resources across the state, including food, housing and other basic needs.
Off-Campus Food Support
The Weld Food Bank maintains a “Find Food Now” webpage that highlights food resources in Weld County. For students and employees outside of Greeley, the best information about food support near you is available at:
- 211 Colorado: Call 2-1-1 or 866-760-6489 or visit the 211 Colorado website
- Feeding Colorado: Search the Feeding Colorado food finder or email info@feedingcolorado.org
- Feeding America (for support inside and outside Colorado)
