Out of meal swipes? Can't get to the grocery store this week? Need a pick-me-up snack between classes? Waiting on your next paycheck? The UD Food Share Co-Op is for you! Located on the lower level of Peters Commons, the UD Food Share Co-Op is a free grocery source for UD students, staff, and faculty in need.
According to the College and University Food Bank Alliance, 30% of college students are food insecure. That's about 1 out of every 3 students! Being food insecure just means that you don't have consistent access to an adequate amount of affordable, nutritious food. Food insecurity isn't permanent; it comes and goes and could be a concern one week, but not the next. Sometimes limited food access is about money. Sometimes it's about transportation. Sometimes it's about availability. Whatever the reason, the UD Food Share Co-Op is here to help.
A stable, nutritious diet is important to brain health and helps keep you functioning at your best for learning. Don't put yourself at a disadvantage by being hungry. Stop by the UD Food Share Co-Op during our open hours to get what you need!
Location
Lower Level, Peters Commons
Hours
Academic Year Hours:
Mondays: 2:00 - 6:00 pm
Tuesdays: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Wednesdays: Closed
Thursdays: 2:00 - 6:00 pm
Fridays: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Please note that holiday, break, and summer hours may differ.
If you are not available to visit during open hours, you may email the UD Food Share Co-Op Coordinator, Jaclyn Esqueda, at [email protected], to schedule an individual appointment.
FAQs
Wondering what to expect when you visit? Keep reading for the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.
Do I have to pay for food at the UD Food Share Co-Op?
No; all items at the Co-Op are available free of charge.
Am I required to provide proof of income?
No; you will not be asked to report your income to utilize the UD Food Share Co-Op.
Do I have to fill out paperwork to use the UD Food Share Co-Op?
When you visit for the first time, you will be asked to complete a short, half-page form that asks for your name, address, and signature. This form is used to help the Co-Op receive free and reduced-price food from a federal program called The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). If you are not comfortable reporting your name and address, you may decline to complete the form and this will not disqualify you from utilizing the Co-Op.
Do I have to sign in when I visit?
Each time you visit, the volunteer will ask for your name and the number of people you are shopping for that day. This information is stored securely and is used to help us keep track of the number of visits and visitors we have. We may report total numbers to campus administrators and food bank partners, but we will never share your personal identifying information. If you are not comfortable signing in, you may decline and this will not disqualify you from utilizing the Co-Op.
Is there a limit to how much food I can take or how many times I can visit?
No; you are welcome to visit as often as you like and take as much as you need.
Volunteer
Ready to get involved and be part of the UD Food Share Co-Op volunteer team? We'd love to have you! Email the UD Food Share Co-Op Coordinator, Jaclyn Esqueda, at [email protected], for more information and to apply.
Volunteers staff the Co-Op during open hours, receive and stock donations, assist with food pickups, help keep the space clean and organized, and, most importantly, greet and answer questions for visitors.
Volunteering requires a commitment of two hours per week for one full semester. Before getting started, you'll also need to attend a one-hour training to better understand food insecurity concerns and resources, as well as learn the Co-Op's processes and procedures.
Donate
The UD Food Share Co-Op is happy to accept donations of in-date, unopened, non-perishable food items, unopened personal hygiene items, and new or gently used cooking equipment. Donations may be dropped off during scheduled open hours.
If you have a large delivery of donations or are interested in coordinating a donation drive event and would like to give your collected items to the Co-Op, please reach out by contacting the UD Food Share Co-Op Coordinator, Jaclyn Esqueda, at [email protected].
Generally, the most needed items are:
- Canned or dried fruit
- Shelf-stable proteins (such as peanut butter, canned chicken, tuna, etc.)
- Grab-and-go no-prep snacks (such as granola bars, protein bars, fruit snacks, trail mix, etc.)
- Microwave-prep convenience meals (such as non-condensed soups, canned ravioli, Spaghettio's, ramen, etc.)
- Toiletries (such as toothpaste, shampoo, soap, etc.)
- Cooking equipment (such as can openers, pots, pans, skillets, spatulas, etc.)
Unfortunately, we are not able to accept the following items:
- Clothing
- Medications/vitamins
- Open packages
- Homemade or home-canned items
You can also make monetary contributions online by entering an alternative designation of UD Food Share Co-Op.
Philosophy Statement
The UD Food Share Co-Op team believes that access to safe, nutritious food supports the University's Mission. We operate with a community mentality - those who serve and those who are served by the Co-Op are equitable partners in meeting our goal of eliminating food insecurity on UD's campus.