Give a Swipe is a student‑driven, campus-supported effort to strengthen food security at Iowa State.

A Program for Students by Students

Developed by students, for students and carried out in partnership with key student support offices across campus, the program allows meal plan holders to donate a portion of their plan to help classmates experiencing food insecurity.

During our donation period, students can give unused meals or Dining Dollars. These donations are converted into dining center meals, ensuring students have access to full, nutritious meals throughout the semester. Select the plus signs below to learn more about donations and requests. 

ISU Dining collects donations during a designated period. Every contribution directly becomes a dining center meal for a student in need. Below are the donation options based on meal plan type.

Gold and Campanile Plans 

  • 2 meal swipes OR
  • $16 in Dining Dollars OR
  • 1 swipe + $8 Dining Dollars

Cardinal Plans 

  • 2 guest swipes OR
  • $16 in Dining Dollars OR
  • 1 guest swipe + $8 Dining Dollars

Block Plans or Dining Dollars

  • Up to 2 meal swipes
  • OR $16 in Dining Dollars
  • OR a combination of both

Donate Today >

If you—or a student you support—needs access to emergency meals, help is available. Give a Swipe is not an immediate/crisis service, but our partners respond quickly and can connect students to additional resources.

Contact a Give a Swipe Partner for Assistance

Additional Food Access Resources

Donate to Fill a Plate

ISU Dining collects donations during a designated period. This spring, the period will be April 27-May1. Let’s top our last donation period that totaled 862 meals!

Food Insecurity Defined

Food insecurity refers to limited or uncertain access to enough nutritious food. At Iowa State University, 32% of students experienced food insecurity according to the Fall 2025 National Collegiate Health Association Survey, with higher rates among international students (42%) and graduate students (34%). Additional findings from the Spring 2025 Iowa State Basic Needs Survey show that 25% of students reported cutting or skipping meals at least once a month due to financial considerations, 28% reported eating less than they should, and 42% said they sometimes or often could not afford balanced meals. Food insecurity can negatively impact health, academic performance, and financial stability. Give a Swipe exists to reduce these barriers and ensure students have dependable access to meals.

  • 862 Meals

Cyclone Generosity in Action

From all of us at ISU Dining — thank you for answering the call and showing what true Cyclone spirit looks like. Your generosity helped us reach a record 862 meals donated, making this season brighter for so many students. Together, we gave a swipe — and together, we made a difference.