Access Free and Low-Cost Food Resources
Both UO Portland and the local Portland Metro area have free and low-cost food resources that are available to students, regardless of income level. Do you have questions about these resources or want to talk to someone about food insecurity concerns? Connect with us, and we will help you find support.
Food Boxes
The Food Box Program is a free supplemental food resource for UO Portland students, staff, and faculty, in partnership with the Oregon Food Bank. Item availability varies, though common offerings include canned fruits and vegetables, dried beans, rice, cereal, soups, milk products, and shelf staples like flour and oil.
WHEN: Food Box events occur at the beginning, mid-point, and end of every term. For a full list of Food Box events, check out the UO Portland Event Calendar.
WHERE: Downtown Campus - Entryway of White Stag, 70 NW Couch St
NE Campus - The Duck Den, Room 203 of the LLC
Food Pantry
Student Life hosts a small food pantry on both campus locations. Students can drop by during normal office hours and pick up non-perishable food items and sanitary products.
Students, staff, and faculty are also encouraged to donate to the food pantry, if they have the means. We accept nonperishable, shelf-stable food items. There is always a demand for free and low-cost food items from our UO community, especially culturally diverse food items.
Locations:
Old Town Campus - Student Life Suite 241, White Stag
Northeast Campus - The Duck Den, Room 203 of the LLC
OFB's Food Finder
The Oregon Food Bank's Food Finder shows locations throughout the Portland Metro area where you may access free groceries, produce, or meals. Locations extend as far as Vancouver, Hillsboro, Oregon City, Troutdale, and Sherwood, as well as many neighborhoods closer to Central and NE Portland.
SNAP Benefits
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal program that provides individuals and families with financial support that can be used to purchase a variety of food items. The maximum SNAP benefit that can be received is $250 per month. Students enrolled in at least six credits may be eligible for SNAP if they meet specific income requirements and other criteria.
Portland Farmers Markets
The Portland Farmers Market offers a Double Up Food Bucks Oregon program to provide SNAP shoppers with a dollar-for-dollar match to buy additional fresh produce, up to $10 or $20 a day. The Portland Farmers Markets that are located closest to campus are the King Farmers Market in Northeast Portland and the PSU Farmers Market in Downtown Portland.