Hive Free Dinner Donations

Dear Community,

In the heart of the Loyola campus, there’s a kitchen that has been filling plates and lifting spirits for 8 years. Our Hive Free Breakfast & Lunch program has been a place where students find more than food — they find comfort, connection, and care.

Now, we’re ready to take the next step. This fall, we are working to launch a free dinner program, Monday through Thursday evenings. For many students, especially those balancing classes, jobs, and financial stress, dinner is often the meal skipped. Further, the Loyola campus is a food desert and has few to no hot food options on campus in the evening. By providing hot, nutritious meals at night, we’ll ensure that no student has to choose between going hungry and keeping up with their studies.

Every day, our dedicated staff and volunteers prepare vegan, nut-free meals that are both affordable and nourishing. On a budget of just $700 a week, we currently serve 10 free meals per week — about 400 students every weekday — at only $0.51 per portion. But with food prices climbing and demand increasing, we can’t expand without your help.

Your donation will directly support the launch of our dinner program. Here’s how:

Food Supplies: Fresh ingredients and pantry staples to keep our meals healthy, hearty, and accessible to everyone.

Kitchen Upkeep: Maintaining safe and welcoming facilities where students can gather and eat with dignity.

Volunteer Support: Providing resources for the students and community members who keep the program running.

Program Expansion: Making it possible to add 4 evening meals each week — filling a gap for those who rely on campus as their main source of food security.

We believe that food is not only fuel for the body but also for the mind. A student who eats well can study, focus, and thrive. By supporting our kitchen, you’re investing in the health, education, and future of our student community.

Every dollar counts. Every meal matters. Together, we can make sure that no student at Loyola has to end their day hungry.

With love and appreciation,

The Hive Free Breakfast & Lunch team