Ultimate Winter Break Food Resource Guide: Delicious Meals and Budget-Friendly Tips for the Season

As winter break approaches, it’s important to think about food security, especially for students remaining on campus. Here’s a quick guide to the food options available during this time.

The residence halls will close on December 13. Fortunately, students can grab a bite at the Holmes Student Center from December 15-19 and January 5-9, excluding weekends. Starbucks is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., while Huskie Grill serves food from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

For students needing assistance, the Huskie Food Pantry, located in the Chick Evans Field House, will have its last day of service on December 11. The pantry operates from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays. To make the process smoother, you can reserve a shopping slot online. Otherwise, it’s first come, first served.

If you miss the pantry hours, NIU Police & Public Safety offers emergency food bags to students. You can request a to-go food bag at the NIU Police Department, with a limit of one bag per day. You’ll need a valid OneCard for pickup.

For any questions about food resources, you can reach the Center for Student Assistance at 815-753-8300 or visit them in the Peters Campus Life Building, Room 150.

Off-campus, there are also some great resources. The Feed My Sheep Food Pantry at Bethlehem Lutheran Church (1915 N 1st Street) offers groceries on Tuesdays from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. No ID is required.

New Hope Missionary Baptist Church (201 Twombly Road) runs a food pantry every Monday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., also without documentation needed.

The Salvation Army Food Pantry at 830 Grove St. is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon and Thursday evenings from 5 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Remember to bring a photo ID and proof of residency for DeKalb County.

You can also check out My Pantry Express, which provides mobile and pop-up food distribution events throughout DeKalb County. It allows you to order online and pick up at specific locations.

With these resources, students can stay nourished over the break without much stress. Remember, you’re not alone during this time—help is available.

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