SALT LAKE CITY — An October 2016 study conducted by College and University Food Bank Alliance found that, nationally, 48 percent of students reported food insecurity, not having access to affordable and sustainable food, within the previous month.

The study found further that 25 percent of community college students nationally qualified as having very low food security, and the number isn’t much lower for students at four-year universities: 20 percent.

More colleges in Utah are starting to offer affordable food services to students in need. These are the resources currently available at Utah’s higher education institutions.

University of Utah - Feed U Food Pantry

The University of Utah’s Feed U Food Pantry has been open since October 2014, according to its website, and “is open to all University of Utah students, faculty, and staff with a current University of Utah ID.”

The pantry aims to provide nourishing and nonperishable food to students who are struggling to afford food, according to the website. Its mission is “to empower those in need to obtain food resources so they may focus on being healthy, happy, and successfully at the University of Utah without the barrier of fighting hunger.

The Feed U Pantry has recently expanded its efforts at fighting food security, KSL reported in January.

Location: A. Ray Olpin Union basement

Email:feedufoodpantry@gmail.com

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/FeedUFoodPantry/

Hours: Mon. - Fri. (changes weekly)

Utah Valley University - You Can Food Pantry

Utah Valley University’s You Can pantry is available for UVU students taking at least six credits during the fall and spring semesters, according to its website.

In addition to canned and boxed food items, the UVU pantry offers grocery bags, basic hygiene kits and child care supplies, as noted on the website.

UVU students who wish to use the pantry need to sign a statement of need and bring their student ID card to register, the website said.

The You Can pantry has been open since 2010, KSL reported in March 2012.

Location: Volunteer & Service-Learning Center, SC 105

Phone: 801-863-8786

Email: lori.phipps@uvu.edu

Hours: Mon.- Fri. (8 a.m.-5 p.m.)

Utah State University - Student Nutrition Access Center

Utah State University's Student Nutrition Access Center was started in 2010 when a small group of concerned students got together to address student hunger, according to the Val R. Christensen Service Center website.

Since then, the website said, “students have invested countless hours and a lot of energy to respond to the nutritional needs of other USU students.

With a student ID, students are able to get canned and boxed food, fresh vegetables (during growing season) and breakfast items, including bread, yogurt and pastries, the website noted.

Location: TSC 333; left at classroom 335

Email: snac@aggiemail.usu.edu

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/snacpantry/

Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday (3 p.m.-5 p.m.); Friday (Noon-2 p.m.)

Weber State University - Weber Cares

Weber State University’s Weber Cares program offers two options for students struggling to afford food, according to the Center for Community Engaged Learning website, a food pantry and a voucher program.

At the pantry, students are allowed to fill bags with needed food, the website said. The voucher program offers students same-day-use $10 food vouchers for dining options on campus.

The two programs exist to “increase healthy eating options, decrease food insecurity and increase students’ ability to stay in school and finish their degree,” the website said.

Location: Shepherd Union, Room 402

Phone: 801-626-7737

Email: wsu.webercares@gmail.com

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/wsuwebercares/

Hours: Monday-Friday (12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.)

Salt Lake Community College - Bruin Pantry

The Bruin Pantry at Salt Lake Community College is available for use by all SLCC students, faculty and staff, as noted on the Thayne Center for Service & Learning website.

SLCC’s Bruin Pantry and its staff “are working to address food security for SLCC students, staff and faculty,” the website said. “We also hope to increase awareness and access to community resources.”

Location: Taylorsville campus: Student Center in STC 015; South City campus: SCC 1-061D

Phone: Taylorsville campus: 801-957-4060; South City campus: 801-957-3005

Hours: Taylorsville campus: Monday-Friday (8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.); South City campus: Monday-Thursday (8 a.m.-3 p.m.)

Dixie State University - Dixie State University Student Association Food Pantry

The food pantry offered by the Dixie State University Student Association was started “to decrease student food insecurity, increase healthy eating choices, and help improve student retention numbers,” according to the Dixie State University website.

Dixie State’s food pantry, in addition to canned and packaged goods, offers hygiene and feminine products. As noted on the website, “all current Dixie State University students, faculty and staff are welcome to utilize the pantry — no questions asked.”

Location: Gardner Student Center, 2nd floor

Phone: 435-652-7500

Hours: Monday-Friday (8 a.m.-5 p.m.)

Westminster College - Organic Garden

While Westminster College does not have a food pantry for students, the school provides gardening space for growing organic foods, according to the Westminster College website.

Students grow tomatoes, squash, peas and other foods from March through October, the website said, and the items are later sold at a farm stand.

The farm stand has a “pay for what you can policy,” the website said.

“(If) you can’t pay, whatever is on the table is yours!” the website said. “We want everyone at Westminster to have access to healthy, organic food so don’t be shy and take something home for you and your roommates!”

Location: South of the Giovale Library

Phone: 801-832-2200

Email: garden@westminstercollege.edu

Open: March-October

No information regarding affordable food initiatives for students at Brigham Young University or Snow College could be found.

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