Many students at the University of Colorado are facing challenges related to food insecurity and other basic needs. The university reports that disruptions in SNAP benefits, reduced supplies at food banks, and increased demand during the holiday season have made it more difficult for students to access necessities.
In response, donors and university leadership are providing support for food pantries and essential-needs programs across all four CU campuses. The CU system, its campuses, and the CU Foundation are offering matching contributions up to $400,000 through the end of the year. This includes a commitment from CU President Todd Saliman to match up to $100,000 in donations—split equally among campuses—and an additional $100,000 match from the CU Foundation. Chancellors Justin Schwartz, Jennifer Sobanet, Kenneth Christensen, and Don Elliman have also contributed or pledged matches of up to $50,000 each on their respective campuses.
The fundraising efforts began in early November with “Food Fight,” a friendly competition between UCCS and CU Denver. As of mid-November, donors had given more than $60,000 through this campaign. These funds help stock Clyde’s Cupboard at UCCS and the CU Denver food pantry.
At CU Boulder, donor contributions support the Basic Needs Center which provides both food and housing assistance. At CU Anschutz, donations go toward the Student Support Fund which helps maintain the campus food pantry and offers aid to students facing unexpected hardships.
According to data from the U.S. Department of Education cited by the university, about 25% of undergraduate students nationwide do not have reliable access to food. Research from the National Institutes of Health indicates that these students are more likely to leave school without graduating and tend to have lower GPAs compared to those who do not experience food insecurity.
CU encourages donors interested in helping students in need to contribute through its emergency funds or visit campus-specific websites for further information about supporting local food pantries: Buff Pantry at CU Boulder; Clyde’s Cupboard at UCCS; Milo’s Market at CU Denver; and the Food Pantry at CU Anschutz.
“CU students shouldn’t have to face this painful question: Can I afford to eat today?” according to a statement from university communications.
