Food Assistance

The Campus Kitchens Project

A meal prepared by volunteers using surplus food from University Dining. Enter the room and grab a plate! Food is served buffet style. There is no sign-in required and you may come and go as you please. We have to-go boxes to take extra food home!

Hours & Location: Most Thursdays from 6-7 p.m. in the basement of The Crossing (1127 University Avenue).

Email: ckpmadison@gmail.com

UW Campus Food Shed

A refrigerator with free produce that's open to all UW–Madison students, staff, and faculty, for free. Take what you want: We ask that you are courteous to others and only take what you will eat.

Hours & Location: The main location is in the Student Activity Center (3rd floor by vending machines). Follow the CFS Facebook page for updates on future fridge locations!

Email: uwfoodshed@hort.wisc.edu

Slow Food UW

Slow Food offers a three-course, delicious, locally sourced meal for $5. The menu and the link to purchase a meal is available on the Slow Food UW Facebook page. Click the Family Dinner Night event and follow the instructions for your intent to attend.

Hours & Location: Every Monday from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the basement of The Crossing (1127 University Avenue, wheelchair accessible)

CAFE PAY IT FORWARD
Drop in Wednesdays between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. or Mondays from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the basement of The Crossing for lunch.

Sometimes people donate money when they buy their meal. This money is set so that everyone is able to enjoy the food regardless of ability to pay. Check in at the desk and tell the cashiers you would like to use a Pay it Forward meal. Give your name and order, and find a seat. Your name will be called when your order is ready.

Email: slowfooduw@gmail.com

Free Frozen Meals

Leftover food from the dining halls is repackaged into frozen, microwaveable meals for students to take at no cost. Microwaves are available for use. Frozen meals are available to any student facing food insecurity.

Hours & Location:
Tuesdays 3–5 p.m. and
Fridays 12–2 p.m. at The Crossing Campus Ministry, 1127 University Avenue.

The Open Seat

The Open Seat is a student-funded, student-run, and student-serving food pantry by the Associated Students of Madison. All students with a Wiscard are eligible. Students can come to The Open Seat during any of our open hours or by appointment. On the first visit, students will be asked to provide their Wiscard, complete two forms, and sign-in. Students may select items that add up to their allotted points per visit. Students are allowed to use the pantry once per week. A variety of non-perishable food items including canned vegetables and fruit, beans, pasta, cereal, oats, snacks, and more. The Open Seat also offers personal care and hygiene products, menstrual products, bread, and select fresh produce.

Hours & Location: Tuesdays 5–8 p.m.; Thursdays 5:30–7:30 p.m.; Sundays 2:30–5 p.m.
Located on the 4th floor of the Student Activity Center, 333 East Campus Mall, room 4209.

Email: thepantry@asm.wisc.edu

Food Recovery Network-Free Student Lunches

Surplus food from University Dining recovered by the Food Recovery Network and served by The Crossing and volunteers to fight waste and feed people. You will serve yourself buffet style. Come early before the food runs out!

Hours & Location: Tuesdays during the academic year from 12:30 – 1 pm (not held during Spring Break) at The Crossing.

Email: crossingfreelunch@gmail.com

Lutheran Campus Center Lunch

Enjoy a free, nondenominational lunch. Enter the Lutheran Campus Center and follow the line to the kitchen area. It's recommended that you arrive at 11:45. The food is served buffet style.

Hours & Location: Lunch is served Monday through Friday starting at noon during the semester at the Lutheran Campus Center, 325 N. Mills Street (next to the Chemistry Building).

Email: director@lcmmadison.org

SNAP

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) offers nutrition assistance to eligible, low-income individuals and families. The food and nutrition service works with state agencies, nutrition educators, and neighborhood and faith-based organizations to ensure that those eligible for nutrition assistance can access benefits. Your QUEST card with funds allocated by the Electronic Benefits Transfer system will be accepted at the register.

To learn more about SNAP, visit ACCESS.wi.gov, Wisconsin's online tool to apply for benefits. UW students can also contact The Open Seat for assistance with signing up for SNAP. Purchasable items are easy to locate in each facility.

Email: meganvw@shfbmadison.org

Dial 2-1-1: 2-1-1 is a local, emergency food program administered by the United Way and connects people to resources.

FH King - Harvest Handouts

Harvest Handouts offers free, fresh produce to students. A line forms based on a first come, first serve basis and produce is offered until it runs out. Simply show up (we recommend you bring a bag with you).

Hours & Location: Fridays, May to October, 2 pm at Library Mall.

Email: fhking.students@gmail.com

The Keep Food Pantry

The Keep Food Pantry offers nutritious food choices which include fresh produce, dairy products, frozen prepared meals and also bakery items. It serves students, faculty and staff of the UW Madison, Edgewood College and Madison College. An academic ID is required.

Hours & Location: The Food Pantry is located at Luther Memorial Church, 1021 University Avenue. Please use courtyard entrance on University Ave. Currently open Thursdays 3:30–5:30 pm.

Dean of Students Office

The Dean of Students Office provides individualized assistance to students facing food insecurity, including information about campus and community resources and crisis loans/grants. We encourage students to reach out in person, by phone at 608.263.5700 or by email to dean@studentlife.wisc.edu.