The Huskies Care Meal Support program offers a select number of meals per term to both undergraduate and graduate students in urgent need. The program is limited based on funding available and is intended to help students in immediate need and is not intended to be a long-term solution to food insecurity.
Students are eligible to receive five to ten meal swipes per semester, added to their NIU OneCard. These meal swipes do not need to be paid back. A student may be considered for more meals based on need and is determined on a case-by-case basis.
To apply, schedule a virtual appointment with the Center for Student Assistance to receive the application.
Eligibility Requirements
- Indicate food insecurity and lack of regular source of sufficient nourishment
- Be an actively enrolled NIU student for at least three credit hours
- Available to both undergraduate and graduate students
- Students living with NIU Housing and have a meal plan are not eligible for this program
- Students who utilized at least one swipe of their allocated meals for the semester will be potentially disqualified for eligibility in the next semester.
If approved, electronic swipes (on OneCard) can be redeemed at Neptune and Patterson Dining Centers. For NIU Dining hours, please visit Campus Dining Services.
Important note: Your submission will be viewed by the Center for Student Assistance during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Responses could take up to 48 business hours. Emergency food bags are available at NIU Police and Public Safety dispatch center on Lucinda Ave.
For further questions about this program and basic needs support please contact Jeff Salmon, Center for Student Assistance, at jsalmon1@niu.edu.