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How to find free food at UChicago

Start with the UChicago events calendar, Calvert House's Monday undergraduate dinner during term, and, if you need support, the Dining Commons Meal Credit, five dining-hall swipes from Student Support Services. The university also lists four community pantries.

Start with the UChicago events calendar and Calvert House's Monday undergraduate dinner. If you need support, Student Support Services offers five dining hall swipes to students who need them. Times and eligibility change, so check the organizer's own page before you go.

Events with food

The UChicago events calendar lists receptions, talks and club events. Go to events that are open to you, register if the event asks you to, and take food only when the organizer offers it to attendees.

Food left over after an event isn't always open to everyone, so ask the organizer or staff before you take any. Some events have rules about who can attend or about food safety.

Regular community meals

Calvert House lists an undergraduate dinner on Mondays during term. The schedule can change, so check the current time and who can come with Calvert House before going.

Student organizations

Some student organizations serve food at open meetings or events. Go to the ones that interest you, and check the group's current event details first.

To find open events, start with the O-Week fairs and the clubs guide.

2-for-1 12 oz açaí bowls at Deep Purpl (from October 8) and 2-for-1 subs at Subway 53rd Street, plus deals at 12 more Hyde Park restaurants (one from September 29, one from September 30, four from October 1 and one from October 8). Free for verified UChicago students, live Monday, September 28.

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If you need food support

Student Support Services offers the Dining Commons Meal Credit, five meal swipes to use at a dining commons. To ask whether you qualify, email studentsupport@uchicago.edu or call 773.702.2435. UChicago also runs a Spring Break Meal Program, by application.

The university's resource list includes food pantries at Hyde Park Union Church, St. Paul and the Redeemer, KLEO Community Family Life Center and Comer Children's Hospital (for patients and families only). Schedules change. Before you go, confirm the hours and who can use each one.

You may also hear about Food Recovery Network. It collects surplus food from campus and delivers it to community organizations, so it isn't somewhere students go to eat.

Free food is occasional

You can't count on event food for regular meals. If you need steady help with food, use the university programs and community resources above. For cheaper everyday meals, see eating cheap.

Restaurant deals

Pool is a food deals app for UChicago, free and only for verified students. Its deals start with 2-for-1 12 oz açaí bowls at Deep Purpl (from October 8) and 2-for-1 subs at Subway 53rd Street, plus deals at 12 more Hyde Park restaurants (one from September 29, one from September 30, four from October 1 and one from October 8) from Monday, September 28. You book a time, show your pass at the counter and pay the restaurant for one.

On Pool this quarter. The app is free right now.

  • 2-for-1 12 oz açaí bowls at Deep Purpl
  • 2-for-1 subs at Subway 53rd Street
  • 2-for-1 half chicken plates at Nando's PERi-PERi
  • 2-for-1 Philly sandwiches at B'Gabs Comfort Cafe
  • 2-for-1 jerk or honey wings at Ja' Grill
  • 2-for-1 Wagyu Steak Frites at Chemistry
  • 2-for-1 wraps, salads and bowls at Litehouse Whole Food Grill
  • 2-for-1 chicken shawarma wraps at Cedars
  • a free refresher with any treat at StruggleBeard Bakery
  • a free third taco or a free drink with a Taco Dinner at 5 Rabanitos
  • 2-for-1 Indian combo meals at Rajun Cajun
  • 2-for-1 chicken and waffle bites at Dawn A.M. Eatery
  • 2-for-1 lattes at Sweet Drip
  • 2-for-1 sushi, pizza and more at The Sit Down Café & Sushi Bar

Live Monday, September 28. StruggleBeard Bakery starts Tuesday, September 29. B'Gabs Comfort Cafe starts Wednesday, September 30. Rajun Cajun, Dawn A.M. Eatery, Sweet Drip and The Sit Down Café & Sushi Bar start Thursday, October 1. Deep Purpl and Nando's PERi-PERi start Thursday, October 8.

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Questions people ask

Where can I get free food at UChicago?
Start with Student Support Services, which offers the Dining Commons Meal Credit, and check that you are eligible. Community pantry schedules can change, so confirm with each pantry. At events, go only to ones open to you and take food when the organizer offers it.
Does UChicago give free meals to students who need them?
Yes. The Dining Commons Meal Credit is five meal swipes usable for any meal at the dining commons, arranged through Student Support Services at studentsupport@uchicago.edu or 773.702.2435. There is also a Spring Break Meal Program by application. The university lists four nearby pantries, including Hyde Park Union Church on Saturdays from 10 am to 1 pm and St. Paul and the Redeemer on Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5:30 pm.
Do UChicago clubs have free food at meetings?
Some clubs serve food at open meetings or events, and it varies by group. Check the group's event listing and go only to events open to you.

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