A Badger’s Guide to Food Access

By Mia McCauley, Student Affairs Intern  Sometimes staying on campus for break can be difficult, especially given the nature of holidays surrounding community and food. While this may be a comforting and exciting time for some students, it can equally be isolating and stressful for those with limited food access, which can impact a student’s overall mental and physical well-being, as well as academic performance. At UW–Madison, we as a community are responsible for fostering a caring and supportive environment, where all students have access to healthy and nutritious food. Luckily, there are campus resources —even student-led organizations— whose mission is focused on eliminating the stigma surrounding food insecurity, and ensuring all individuals have access to what they need. With break around the corner, students are encouraged to seek out the support they need—during the holiday season, and indefinitely. FIND SUPPORT AND RESOURCES:
  • The BADGER FARE program is a food support program that offers students $75 directly onto their Wiscard account, once a semester. Badger FARE aims to provide students with healthy and enjoyable food, directly catering to long-standing or emergency needs.
  • The Open Seat Pantry is another great program that provides fresh produce and pantry staples to students within the UW community— Make your shopping appointment. They also provide a list of Thanksgiving Food Resources. Located at 333 East Campus Mall, on the 3rd floor in the Student Activity Center. The pantry will be closed on 11/29.
  • Slow Food UW hosts an affordable cafe option, as well as dinner options. Located at 1127 University Ave (The Crossing), the Slow Food Cafe is open Wednesdays between noon- 2 p.m. with all items sold at a low price and a la carte. Slow Food family dinner nights take place Monday evenings at 6:30 p.m. (pay what you can), and include appetizers, main dish, and dessert that showcase seasonal ingredients sourced directly from local farmers
The Badger FARE Program, The Open Seat, and Slow Food UW, are not the only systems of support on campus for students experiencing food insecurity. The UW–Madison Food Recovery Network, The People’s Farm, UW Frozen Meal plan, and the Keep Food Pantry are also useful resources for students in need. Consider using your ASM Student Bus Pass for a free, warm ride if you need transportation. Stay current on holiday bus schedules and easily plan your trip using the Metro Transit website. Use Google Maps, or use your student discount at ZipCar rentals. *See a map of these community food resources. FOR YEAR ROUND SUPPORT The Office of Student Assistance and Support is also a great resource for students. Drop-in staff are available from 8:30 a.m.- 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Otherwise contact the office at, 608-263-5700, or email osas@studentaffairs.wisc.edu  Students can also request Basic Needs Assistance and Financial Aid Emergency Support through the Office of Student Financial Aid. These resources are available year-round. The office will be closed December 22- January 1, and open from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. January 2-5. For questions, please contact the office at (608)262-3060 or finaid@finaid.wisc.edu.  Regardless of how you plan to spend your fall break, it is important to understand and be aware of the resources you can access. Remember badgers, ensuring that all students on our campus have access to nutritious and delicious food is all of our responsibility. For additional food access resources and information, check out these resources.