What is Food Insecurity?

Food insecurity means that you have limited or uncertain access to nutritionally adequate and safe foods, or limited or uncertain ability to acquire acceptable foods in socially acceptable ways.

We are here to help. To connect with a staff member to discuss your needs and learn more about available resources please complete our Basic Needs Assistance Form.

Basic Needs Assistance Form

How to know if you or a fellow student may be struggling with food security?

  • Are you worried your food will run out before you have money to buy more food?
  • Recently, have you reduced the size of your meals or skipped meals because you do not have enough money to buy food?
  • This week, did you not eat for a whole day because there was not enough money for food?
  • Are you deciding between buying food and spending money on other necessary items, such as textbooks, rent, and utility bills?
  • Are you hungry but did not eat and/or are losing weight because there is not enough money to buy food?

Food Security Resources

Campus Resources

Office of Student Affairs

Staff in the Office of Student Affairs will work to understand your unique needs and identify appropriate on and off-campus resources and services.

BSU Community Garden

The BSU Community Garden is an organically grown garden open primarily to students for free, fresh produce. The garden is available for all Ball State students and located near Worthen Arena.

Please check with studentlife@bsu.edu or visit @bsucommunitygarden on Instagram before arriving for harvesting instructions and to ensure seasonal offerings are available.

Cardinal Kitchen

Cardinal Kitchen is Ball State University's campus food pantry. The pantry is located on the first floor of the L.A. Pittenger Student Center in room 152, in the Art Gallery space past the Student Life and Student Voluntary Service offices. Cardinal Kitchen is available for all undergraduate and graduate students.

Hours of Operation

  • Tuesday: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
  • Wednesday: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
  • Thursday: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Typically Available Items

  • Canned Fruit
  • Jelly/Jam
  • Peanut Butter
  • Granola/Breakfast Bars
  • Cereal or Oatmeal
  • Juice
  • Ramen
  • Canned Protein, Beans or Meat
  • Macaroni and Cheese
  • Pasta
  • Pasta Sauce
  • Canned Vegetables
  • Soup
  • Fresh Fruit
  • Fresh Vegetables
  • Fresh Bread
  • Toiletries 

What is Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP)

SNAP (formerly known as food stamps) provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of needy families so they can purchase healthy food and move toward self-sufficiency. The average one-person household has a maximum SNAP allotment of $291 in Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT).

You can use SNAP like cash to buy food items at any store, supermarket, or co-op approved by the USDA. Items that can be purchased with SNAP benefits include breads and cereals, fruits and vegetables, meats, fish and poultry, and dairy products. SNAP recipients in Indiana may purchase groceries online for pick up or delivery at Amazon and Walmart.

Once you are determined eligible for SNAP you will receive a “Hoosier Works” card with your EBT. The Hoosier Works Card works like a bank debit card and Indiana cardholders can use their Hoosier Works card at any store in the United States that accepts food assistance.

Student Eligibility for SNAP 

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families is a program that provides cash assistance and supportive services to assist families with children under age 18, helping them achieve economic self-sufficiency.