Cookbook benefits Pop-Up Pantry

Visit the UIC Bookstore Dec. 4 for the launch of “The Ultimate In-College Cookbook,” UIC’s first cookbook for students.

During the event, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the UIC community will have the opportunity to taste recipes from the cookbook prepared by UIC Catering, learn more about the Pop-Up Pantry, purchase a cookbook, and more.

“The Ultimate In-College Cookbook” is full of recipes submitted by UIC students, faculty and staff.  The goal of the book is to educate students about making meals with food available at UIC’s Pop-Up Pantry and to raise awareness about food insecurity among college students. Proceeds will benefit the Pop-Up Pantry.

“The Pop-Up Pantry is a way to support student academic success,” said Carol Petersen, associate director of the UIC Wellness Center.

Created and launched in 2014 by Petersen and former UIC student Brandon Gaskew, the Pop-Up Pantry aims to help students at UIC who are experiencing food insecurity. The pantry originally would “pop up” once a month and provide food for students in need.

“The UIC community is so generous that we have enough food to feed students,” Petersen said.

Now, the Pop-Up Pantry is available to students twice a week, on Mondays and Thursdays, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Wellness Center in Student Center East.

“[The cookbook] is a true team effort,” Petersen said. Ero Aggelopoulou-Amiridis, the wife of UIC Chancellor Michael Amiridis, came up with the idea for a UIC cookbook, Petersen said, and J. Rex Tolliver, vice chancellor for student affairs, played a key role in helping it come to fruition.

For more information, contact the Wellness Center at 312-413-2120, or wellnesscenter@uic.edu.