Food Insecurity

Columbia Dining is committed to supporting University and student efforts to address hunger amongst its student community and the stigma associated with food insecurity.

Emergency Meal Fund 

Columbia Dining facilitates the Emergency Meal Fund, a no-questions-asked program offering 6 meals a term to undergraduate students (CC, SEAS, or GS) in need.  

  • CC/SEAS Students: Ask for a manager at JJ's Place, located in the lower level of John Jay Hall and open every day from Noon – 10 AM. Provide the manager with your UNI and the number of meals needed. The manager will issue meal passes that can be used during the current term at one of the three residential dining halls: John Jay, JJ’s Place, or Ferris Booth Commons. 

  • GS Students: Email gshealthandwellness@columbia.edu to request meal passes, or they may visit the Dean of Students office in 403 Lewisohn Hall. After normal business hours, meal passes can be obtained directly at JJ's Place. 

Food Pantry 

Columbia Dining provides financial and buying support to the Columbia Food Pantry, a student-run operation in Lerner Hall dedicated to relieving hunger in the student community. 

In May 2019, Columbia Dining committed to an annual $5,000 donation – the equivalent of 1,000 uneaten meals – to the Food Pantry in support of the organization’s collaboration with Swipe Out Hunger.

The Food Pantry logo
Swipe Out logo

Columbia Dining also collaborates with The Food Pantry on nutrition education and budget friendly cooking events.

Academic Break Schedule 

Columbia Dining operates during fall, Thanksgiving, and spring breaks to make sure students staying on campus have an affordable place to eat. This schedule is funded by the department’s operating budget, at no additional cost to students.