The University of Oregon recognizes the importance of food security—that in order to be a successful student, you need to have enough to eat. To help “feed the flock,” a new pilot program offers a confidential route for cash-strapped students to access meals on campus. Using the Duck Bucks function of the UO ID card, the Ducks Feeding Ducks program provides a transfer of $10 into a student’s account (limit of three transfers per term) for use at any campus food venue that accepts Duck Bucks.
How to Request Meal Assistance
If you are low on money and in need of a meal, submit an online request by logging in with your Duck ID. If you meet all of the criteria listed below, the ID Card Services Office will transfer $10 to your UO ID within an hour, and send you a confirmation email. You’ll have one week to use those funds at a campus eatery that accepts Duck Bucks. Since you’ll be paying with a swipe of your ID card, there will be anonymity and no indication that you are using a food benefit.
It is important to note that after one week any unused portion of the $10 from Ducks Feeding Ducks be removed from your account and transferred back into the main fund. Additionally, if you receive the funds but don't use them, the transfer still counts as one of the three allowed per term.
Criteria to Receive Meal Assistance
In order to qualify for Ducks Feeding Ducks, you must meet the following criteria:
- Currently enrolled University of Oregon student
- Do not have ready access to money for buying food
- Have less than $4 in your Duck Bucks account
- Have used the program fewer than three times in the current term (limit of three fund transfers per term)
During this pilot year, Ducks Feeding Ducks will be allocating $25,000—or 2,500 meal requests—per term. We are setting an initial limit of three transfers per term, per student.
Request a Meal from Ducks Feeding Ducks
Additional Food Assistance
If you don't meet the criteria for Ducks Feeding Ducks or have a more persistent need, there are other programs available to help you get enough food, including the Student Food Pantry near campus, and monthly Produce Drops at the EMU.
Learn About Other Food-Security Programs
Provide Feedback or Get Help
If you have questions about the program or issues with the application, please contact the ID Card Services office at 541-346-3113 or email uocard@uoregon.edu.
You can also refer to our frequently asked questions page.
Donate to Ducks Feeding Ducks
If you’d like to help UO students maintain food security, consider making a donation to Ducks Feeding Ducks. Students, UO employees, alumni, and family members can donate by using our online form.