Food Insecurity Resources
The rising cost of living and tuition can make it challenging for students to afford basic necessities. SHW recognizes the impact of food insecurity on student success and well-being. If you're struggling to access nutritious food, explore the below resources available on and close toGrounds. We're committed to supporting your academic journey by providing the essential support you need.
Food Insecurity is the limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate and safe food. While marked by physical sensations of hunger in its most extreme form, more often it looks like:
- Deciding which meal during the day you can afford to eat;
- A diet primarily consisting of cheaper processed foods like instant noodles;
- Not getting enough fruit or vegetables due to the higher cost of fresh produce;
- Cutting or stretching the size of meals to make multiples meals out of one meal due to financial constraints.
UVA Resources
- UVA Community Food Pantry
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The Community Food Pantry (CFP) welcomes anyone in the UVA community with need to take as they please. Items are available on a first come, first served basis.
- The CFP led in partnership by student leaders and staff of the Care and Support Team. The CFP works to eliminate the financial hardships of UVA students and staff trying to access adequate food by providing essential food and hygiene items.
- Location/Hours: The CFP is located in the Student Activities Center on the 1st floor of Newcomb Hall, Room 144. The CFP is open during Newcomb Hall operating hours.
- Satellite Pantry Network
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The Satellite Pantry Network is an effort of the Food Insecurity Resource Group (FIRG) to meet students where they are and provide basic nutrition and hygiene products at no cost.
- Locations:
- School of Engineering (Thornton A121)
- School of Education (Ridley 285)
- Maxine Platzer Lynn Women’s Center (1400 University Avenue)
- McIntire School of Commerce (Robertson Hall First Floor)
- School of Nursing (Claude Moore Nursing Education Building)
- Locations:
- Student Health and Wellness Nutrition Services
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Student Health and Wellness has a team of Registered Dietitians that can help with nutrition related health goals, from prevention or management of chronic health conditions, to building a better relationship with food, to navigating nutrition information. Schedule a no-cost consultation online via HealthyHoos.
Community Resources
There are a number of local resources available in the City of Charlottesville and Albemarle County. In partnership with the City of Charlottesville and other groups, Cultivate Charlottesville launched a 24/7 phone number you can text for information about free food sources near you: 844-947-6518.
- CommonHelp
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CommonHelp is the Commonwealth of Virginia’s fast and easy way to apply online for many financial assistance programs. Through the CommonHelp website you can find out what assistance you may be eligible for and submit one application saving you time and effort.
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
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Students working at least 20 hours a week in a federally funded or state work study program are automatically eligible for assistance with food needs through SNAP. Apply online and an individual from Social Services will follow up with information on next steps.
- Food Finder Tool
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The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank launched their user-friendly, mobile-accessible Food Finder tool to help individuals connect with local food pantries and programs. Available in 12 different languages, the search results can be filtered by service type, days of operation, distance and even the availability of evening hours.
- Local Food Banks
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- Loaves & Fishes offers both USDA food and "pantry" groceries. During the pandemic, USDA food is given up to twice a month for each qualifying household through the Emergency Food Assistance Program, a federal program that supplements the diets of low-income Americans. Individuals who earn more than the USDA's guidelines for income (150% or less than federal poverty guidelines) can access "pantry" items. These clients can visit L&F twice per calendar month. On your first visit, please bring the names and birth dates of everyone in your household and total monthly household income. You can elect to get groceries via drive-through or by appointment.
- Drive-through hours: Wednesdays 2:00-4:00 p.m, Thursdays 6:30-8:30 p.m., Saturdays 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
- Appointment hours: Tuesdays 3:00.-7:00 p.m.
- Items available: Fresh and frozen foods including fruits, vegetables, breads, frozen meat, fish, and eggs.
- Contact and Location: (434) 996-7868 2050 Lambs Road, Charlottesville
*Bus Information: Located closest to Georgetown Road at Hydraulic Road (northbound) stop, CAT Route 5. Contact the Office of The Dean of Students for more information about transportation to Loaves & Fishes.
- Blue Ridge Area Food Bank
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The BRAF-B network serves guests living with hunger across 25 counties and 8 cities on either side of the Blue Ridge. The Food Bank operates out of distribution centers located in Charlottesville, Lynchburg, Winchester and Verona (our headquarters). At the Charlottesville location, visitors can access a variety of groceries, typically including produce, meat, dairy, and shelf-stable items.
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- Loaves & Fishes offers both USDA food and "pantry" groceries. During the pandemic, USDA food is given up to twice a month for each qualifying household through the Emergency Food Assistance Program, a federal program that supplements the diets of low-income Americans. Individuals who earn more than the USDA's guidelines for income (150% or less than federal poverty guidelines) can access "pantry" items. These clients can visit L&F twice per calendar month. On your first visit, please bring the names and birth dates of everyone in your household and total monthly household income. You can elect to get groceries via drive-through or by appointment.
- Clothing Donation Organizations
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- Salvation Army Thrift Store: 605 Cherry Ave.
- CVBA Clothing Center: 434-906-3300. 815 Boiling Ave. Appointments not required. Open Mondays 10 am -1:30 pm.
- Twice is Nice Thrift Store: 923B Preston Ave, 918 Preston Ave.
- Green Olive Tree: 823-4523. Open 11-4pm Monday-Saturday.
- Church of the Brethren: 973-3639. Call and leave message.
- Hinton Ave Methodist Closing Closet: (434) 293-7049 750, Hinton Ave, Tuesdays from 10am-1pm