SIU food drive to support students and families as pantry reports serving 205 this semester
Southern Illinois University Carbondale will hold its annual Thanks “GivingBack” food drive Nov. 17 to support a campus pantry that has served 205 students and family members so far this semester, according to the university.
Faculty, staff and community members can drop off nonperishable food from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Student Center’s first-floor cross halls near the University Bookstore.
The collection supports the Saluki Food Pantry, which opened in August 2016 and has since assisted thousands of students and their families.
Emily Spann, associate director of the Student Center, said the pantry remains an important resource as grocery prices climb.
“We are extremely grateful to all of our supporters who help keep the shelves stocked,” Spann said in the university’s Nov. 9 announcement.
The semester’s reported total includes students and family members. The announcement does not provide a comparison with previous semesters, so the figure alone does not establish whether demand has increased.
How students can get help
Located on the Student Center’s lower level, the pantry provides free nonperishable food. Each visit supplies approximately three days of food for a student and household members, according to its website.
Visitors can reach it using the stairs or elevator next to Starbucks, then continuing straight ahead to the pantry on the right.
The pantry asks visitors to complete its updated 2026–27 survey before receiving assistance. The form is linked on its website, which says personal information is kept confidential.
Published fall hours are:
- Tuesday and Wednesday: 8:30–11:30 a.m. and noon–2 p.m.
- Thursday: 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 1:30–4:30 p.m.
- Closed Monday and Friday.
Students needing assistance outside those hours can email foodpantry@siu.edu or request support through Saluki Cares. Questions during pantry hours can be directed to 618-453-3760.
What to donate
Organizers encourage easy-to-prepare foods. Requested items include canned proteins, peanut butter, beans, fruit, rice, pasta, cereal, sauces and soups.
The pantry’s donation webpage provides a shopping list and an Amazon wish list for supporters who cannot donate in person. It also says donations outside pantry operating hours can be taken to the Student Center Administration Office on the second floor between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Groups interested in organizing a separate collection can contact foodpantry@siu.edu.
For students seeking assistance, the pantry’s regular service is separate from the Nov. 17 donation event. Current access information and the required survey are available at studentcenter.siu.edu/services/food-pantry/.