Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week

Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Month: November 15-21.

Nov. 15–21, 2026 

Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week is a nationally recognized week focused on raising awareness about food and housing insecurity and creating opportunities to learn, volunteer and give. 

At CU Boulder, the Basic Needs Center invites students, faculty and staff to learn more about the basic needs landscape, connect with campus and community resources and take action to support our community. 

Why Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week Matters

Food and housing insecurity affect college students across the country and here at CU Boulder. Students may experience challenges accessing nutritious, affordable and culturally relevant food, maintaining stable and safe housing or meeting other essential needs. 

  • 25% of students experienced food insecurity 
  • 20% of students experienced housing insecurity 
  • 7% of students experienced homelessness 

These experiences can affect can affect students’ physical and emotional well-being, create barriers to academic engagement and success, and greatly impact their overall college experience. Increasing awareness of basic needs insecurity can help reduce stigma, connect more students with available resources and build a campus community where people feel comfortable seeking support. 

Get Involved During Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week

Throughout the week, the Basic Needs Center offers opportunities to learn about basic needs, connect with resources and support the CU Boulder community. Explore each day's theme and find ways to participate. 

  Monday, Nov. 16: Learn
Stop by Basic Needs Center tables across campus to learn about food and housing insecurity at CU Boulder and beyond. 

  Tuesday, Nov. 17: Connect 
Explore campus and community resources through the Basic Needs Center's Instagram. You can also join Bread & Belonging at St. Aidan's for a free community dinner. 

  Wednesday, Nov. 18: Give 
Bring a donation to the men's basketball game to support the Basic Needs Center, or stop by BNC tables across campus for free snacks. See food drive details below. 

  Thursday, Nov. 19: Support 
Visit the Basic Needs Center's Mobile Food Pantry from 2–4 p.m. at Kittredge Central for free groceries.  

  Friday, Nov. 20: Impact 
Follow the Basic Needs Center on Instagram to see the impact of Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week and how our campus community came together to support students. 

Support the Basic Needs Center at CU basketball games 

Cheer on the Buffs and support students in our community by bringing a food or personal care donation to either basketball game. 

  Women’s Basketball vs. Youngstown State | Nov. 14 @ 1 p.m.
Students can bring a donation to earn additional Charged Up points, which can help them get priority access to tickets for Big 12 games. 

  Men’s Basketball vs. Portland | @ 7 p.m. 
Sports Pass holders can bring a donation to earn additional Charged Up points. Students without a Sports Pass can bring a donation to receive a free ticket. Faculty, staff and community members can also receive a free ticket with a donation. 

Find Basic Needs Support

If you’re having trouble accessing enough food, finding or maintaining stable housing, or meeting other essential needs, the Basic Needs Center can help you explore your options and connect with support. 

CU Boulder students can access food assistance, housing resources and other basic needs services on campus and in the community. 

Support the Basic Needs Center

You can support the Basic Needs Center throughout the year. Financial and physical donations, food and personal care drives and other forms of support help connect CU Boulder students with food, housing and essential resources.