FEI General Info One-Page Flyer
What is the Food Equity Initiative?
The Food Equity Initiative was created and operates as part of UNC Asheville’s Healthy Campus Initiative. It has 501(c)(3) non-profit status through the UNC Asheville Foundation.
The FEI was founded by a grant from the Walnut Cove Members Association. It is run by a team of dedicated and passionate students who are committed to food justice and who believe that access to healthy, nutritious food is a human right.
Our mission is to eliminate food insecurity within the UNC Asheville community by providing food, information, events and resources with a focus on health, sustainability and resilience.
Who does the Food Equity Initiative serve?
The FEI was created to serve the students, faculty and staff of UNC Asheville.
How/Where can I get access to FEI food donations?
Currently, we hold weekly distributions of non-perishable food out of a tent on the Quad on Tuesdays from 11am-1pm. For more information about food distribution events, see our Programs and Services: Food Distributions page.
Do I need to show proof of income or need to get food?
No. We recognize that food insecurity can affect anyone at any time, for any number of reasons. All you need to pick up food at any FEI distribution event is a valid OneCard.
Is food insecurity really a problem for college students in general, or on the UNC Asheville campus?
On average, studies show that in any given undergraduate population, around 45-50% of students are food insecure, around 15-20% are severely food insecure, and around 13% are homeless.1
25% of community college students had very low food security compared to 20% of four-year schools.2
57% of students of color reported food insecurity compared to 40% non-Hispanic white students.2
56% of first-generation students reported food insecurity compared to 45% of students with at least one college-attending parent.2
Note: We do not currently have a good number for UNC Asheville students specifically. We are currently in the process of conducting a needs assessment.
And it’s not just students:
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.3
6% of faculty and staff at UNC Asheville reported that the food they bought did not last and they could not afford to get more.3
- Hungry and Homeless In College
- Hunger On Campus
- Fall 2017 National Faculty & Staff Health Assessment at UNC Asheville
I have other questions to ask. Who should I contact?
We would love to hear from you!
For questions about FEI, or if you’re interested in donating to, partnering with, or volunteering for FEI, please contact us at foodequity@unca.edu.