The Emergency Meal Swipe Program provides short-term meal support to currently enrolled USC undergraduate and graduate students experiencing an urgent and unforeseen food emergency. The program is designed to offer immediate relief during times of need and is not intended to serve as a long-term or ongoing food solution.
How it works
Students experiencing food insecurity due to an unexpected circumstance may connect with a Student Basic Needs (SBN) staff member for a brief consultation. During this intake, staff work with the student to better understand their current situation and assess eligibility for emergency meal support.
Due to limited availability, participation in the intake process does not guarantee enrollment. Following the consultation, the SBN team reviews requests on a rolling basis. If approved, staff coordinate with USC Auxiliary Services to load a limited number of meal swipes onto the student’s USCard for use at USC residential dining halls.
Students are notified of the outcome and, regardless of eligibility, may be connected to additional food and basic needs resources.
Eligibility
The Emergency Meal Swipe Program is intended for students who:
- Are currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate students at USC
- Are experiencing short-term food insecurity due to an unforeseen circumstance
- Do not have reliable or immediate access to meals
- Are able to participate in a brief intake consultation with SBN staff
Because the program has limited capacity, priority is given to students with the most urgent need and fewest alternative food options.
How to donate your extra dining dollars
Students with unused Dining Dollars can help support peers by donating their remaining balance at the end of each semester.
To donate:
- Open the USC Campus Dining mobile ordering app
- Scroll to the bottom of the homepage
- Select “Dining Dollar Donation”
- Schedule your donation before the semester deadline
Donated Dining Dollars directly support programs like the Emergency Meal Swipe Program and help ensure food access for students experiencing hardship.