By: Saniya Witherspoon
Rising grocery prices and the lingering effects of last year’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit disruptions have highlighted the role of Dominican University’s DU Feeds food pantry in helping students access food, said student manager Lena Coronado.
The federal government shutdown disrupted SNAP benefits in November 2025, prompting increased visits to the pantry, according to previous reporting by the Dominican Star.
“I have had students mention when they visit the pantry, if it is all right for them to take more food for their families, or checking how many days they can visit in a week since they typically receive SNAP benefits but are no longer receiving,” Coronado said.
During the initial disruptions, Coronado said students took staple foods, including eggs and milk, more frequently. However, pantry visits have since returned to their previous levels.
DU Feeds has averaged 25 to 30 visitors per day since the beginning of the fall semester, compared with its previous average of 30 to 35 visitors daily. The pantry currently serves approximately 75 students each week, according to Coronado.
She said the beginning of a new academic year may affect those numbers as new students arrive and others graduate.
Rising food prices have also made it more difficult for some students to afford groceries. A Dominican student who recently used DU Feeds for the first time said higher prices have made necessities and snacks harder to afford.
The student said the process of accessing the pantry was smooth and that they felt comfortable during the visit.
“I would encourage them to give it a try because the people there are welcoming and helpful,” the student said.
DU Feeds receives food through donations and the Greater Chicago Food Depository. The pantry also purchases groceries when additional supplies are needed. Coronado said staff monitor inventory and pantry visits to determine which items need restocking.
The pantry prioritizes essentials such as eggs, milk, yogurt and nonperishable foods. It is located in Mazzuchelli 276 and is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays and from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursdays.
Coronado said food insecurity among college students can take different forms, including struggling to afford meals or skipping smaller purchases to save money.
She also suggested promoting additional campus resources, including Swipes4Stars, a program that allows students to donate unused meal swipes for other students to request.
As food costs and SNAP eligibility requirements change, DU Feeds continues to provide food assistance to Dominican students who need it.
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