Good Food, Good Times
Food brings Huskies together.
More than just sustenance, food is a language that speaks to our senses and helps us connect with others. While at NIU, you'll have endless opportunities to try new cuisine both on campus and in the DeKalb community.
Dining on Campus
Huskies have a variety on dining options to choose from on campus. Our dining facilities are located in the residence halls and throughout several areas of campus, including the Holmes Student Center and Founders Memorial Library.
Below are some resources to help you eat healthy while in college.
MyDining Program
Campus Dining Services helps you make decisions about the foods you choose to fill your plate. With MyDining you can select a campus dining location to learn about the nutritional value of the foods offered. Whether you are vegetarian, vegan or have food allergies, MyDining helps you find dining options that are best suited to your needs.
Nutrition Coaching
Our team of nutrition coaches can show you how the right foods can boost energy and concentration so you are not feeling tired during the day and can perform at your best while in class or studying. Our nutrition programs provide many ways to connect with our team. From one-on-one visits with a nutrition coach to group classes and events, we've got something for everyone.
Huskie Food Pantry
As a Huskie, you should never experience food insecurity. You should focus on your education, not on where you are getting your next meal. Our Huskie Food Pantry provides all Huskies with staples such as fresh produce, canned and boxed goods, and household and hygiene products.
Huskie Harvest
Huskie Harvest is an innovative program focused on reducing food insecurity and minimizing food waste on campus. Our team recovers surplus food from campus and community events and locations, then packages it into nutritious, ready-to-heat meals students can pick up at several locations around campus. For more information, email huskieharvest@niu.edu.
Dining in DeKalb County
Foodies will delight in all the options for dining in DeKalb County. There are so many to choose from: farm-to-table, tapas, classic diners, international flavors, pub food and upscale options to name a few. The food is delicious and served with a smile.
With over 70 restaurants within the community there is surely something to satisfy your cravings. Taste the many flavors DeKalb has to offer, including Barb City Bagels, Old School Pizza, the Thai Pavilion and Insomnia Cookies. The DeKalb County Convention and Visitor's Bureau provides an overview of all the tasty places to visit in town.
Food Truck Wednesdays
During the fall and spring semesters we bring local flavors to the MLK Commons for Food Truck Wednesdays. Take a midweek break between class to meet up with friends, enjoy an outdoor lunch and experience some local favorites right in the heart of campus.
Edible Campus
The Edible Campus initiative has created several gardens across campus. Produce from the gardens is used by Campus Dining Services, as well as for research and other projects. You can pick fresh fruit and vegetables from the free-to-pick gardens located by Founders Memorial Library and Neptune Hall.
Huskie Spotlight
“I like to go eat with my friends the most because I’m taking care of my needs while also maintaining my friendships. It’s so fun to go to the dining hall with a friend or two!”Lilliana Benitez,
music major with an emphasis in music education and an instrumental area of study (euphonium)
Keep Exploring
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