Food Security for Cyclones
The pantry Students Helping Our Peers (SHOP) at Iowa State University stands at the heart of the campus community’s efforts to ensure that every student has reliable access to nourishing food and personal care items. Since opening its doors to students in 2011, SHOP has evolved into a well-established, student-led resource, operating with confidentiality and dignity so that no one has to worry about where their next meal will come from.
In the 2024-2025 fiscal year alone, SHOP delivered 209,526 pounds of food during 16,906 visits, demonstrating the deep and growing need among students. In just the first quarter (July 1 – September 30) of 2025, the pantry has already served 4,921 visits and distributed 61,267 pounds of food. A study published in April 2025 by Donna Winham, associate professor of Food Science and Human Nutrition at Iowa State, found that 36% of Iowa State students are food insecure.
These figures speak loudly: food insecurity is real on campus, and this vital service is keeping thousands of Cyclones fed and supported. While volunteers power SHOP's day-to-day operations, generous donor support is what helps to keep the shelves stocked. While some of the food and personal-care items are donated, financial gifts enable the pantry to expand its reach, offer fresh and frozen items, and respond quickly when demand surges.
With the number of students visiting and the volume of food distributed rising, your support matters more than ever. Every gift contributes to purchasing nutritious items, enhancing storage capacity, and enabling SHOP to operate as a welcoming, no-cost resource. In joining the effort, you’re helping reduce barriers to academic success, strengthen our community, and demonstrate that Cyclones care for one another. Please consider contributing — your gift keeps the pantry shelves open, the lights on, and students focused on learning instead of worrying about where their next meal will come from. Together, we will work to ensure food security for all Cyclones!
Other ways to make your gift
Checks can be made payable to ISU Foundation and mailed to:
ISU Foundation
PO Box 2230
Ames, IA 50010
Payroll deduct
Iowa State University employees may set up an automatic payroll deduction to support this project by printing and mailing this online form. Make sure to write 2705708 ISU FOOD PANTRY FUND in the gift designation. Then mail to:
ISU Foundation
PO Box 2230
Ames, IA 50010
If you have questions or would like to discuss your gift with an ISU Foundation staff member, please email fundisu@foundation.iastate.edu or call 515-294-8536.