Welcome to the Food Equity Initiative

Did you know…

Nationwide, approximately 45-50% of university students are food insecure,15-20% are severely food insecure, and 13% are homeless?

And it’s not just students…

In a 2017 survey, 10% of faculty and staff at UNC Asheville reported they “sometimes” or “often” worried their food would run out before they could get money to buy more, and 6% faculty and staff at UNC Asheville reported that the food they bought did not last and they could not afford to get more.

It’s a common misconception that university students, faculty and staff are immune from food insecurity and similar issues. In reality, students, faculty and staff represent the same economic spectrum of the communities they inhabit. This means that food insecurity is as real a risk here on campus as it is within the broader Asheville/WNC community.

Working together to end food insecurity on campus…

The Food Equity Initiative is a student-run organization dedicated to eliminating food insecurity within the UNC Asheville community, with a focus on health and sustainability. We do this by sourcing and distributing food donations, as well as offering information, events, programs and resources that promote food justice, nutrition, and community engagement. Our mission is to ensure that every member of the UNC Asheville community has access to adequate, culturally appropriate and nutritious food for themselves and their families.

Get food…

Attend our weekly non-perishable food distributions on the Quad, Tuesdays 11am-1pm, or contact the Manna Food Helpline to find a more convenient distribution near you.

Check out our programs and services tabs to see other ways you can get involved.

Get on our mailing list. . .

Sign up for the FEI Newsletter