To be frank, I hate the mornings. I’m doing well if I get my teeth brushed and shoes on in time for my 8:30 a.m. class, much less pack a healthy lunch.

One organization on campus is striving to help students satisfy their hunger without depleting their wallets. The on-campus food bank located on the fourth floor of the Shepherd Union offers a variety of delicious canned and non-perishable items to students at no cost and for practically no hassle. All students need to do is show their Weber State University ID, sign in and enjoy great free food.

Come as you are, take what you need. 

When picking out free lunch, remember you aren’t the only student in need of a little help, so only take what you need to satisfy your needs. If your cupboards are getting bare and the next paycheck has already been spoken for by other bills, there’s no harm in taking what you need to make it through. In fact, the whole reason behind the food bank is to help struggling students get the nourishment they need. If you need a bag or two full of food, take it. But if you’re like me and just forgot to pack a lunch and can’t afford Sodexo or the vending machines for the 13th time this week, maybe consider only taking one can of fruit and a package of crackers.

Have the right tools for the job.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t have a can opener floating around in my backpack nor do I know of anyone who does, so be sure to keep an eye out for pull-tab cans. It’s great to get free food, but what good is it if you can’t get it out of the can?

While the Shepherd Union is the ideal place to hang out and chat with friends, it doesn’t offer much in the way of disposable dishes or cutlery. That isn’t necessarily a problem, especially if one is careful in deciding what kind of food to pick from the food bank. Foods that don’t need to be warmed up, like canned fruit, can be ideal. Students can find plastic disposable cutlery in the Sodexo convenience store in the Union as well.

Rest and digest.

Certain departments have areas in their buildings where students can congregate and enjoy a meal. Some even provide plastic utensils and paper products. I know this is true for The Signpost staff and honors department students, and I can imagine these two groups aren’t alone. There are also several microwaves in public places around campus, one of which is in-between the convenience store and grill in the Student Union.