UI Retirees Association Hosts Fundraiser to Raise Awareness for Food Insecurity

The event featured live music and aimed to support the UI Food Pantry Organization.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The University of Iowa Retiree Association hosted a fundraiser at Tavern Blue called 'Music, Meals, and Making a Difference' on February 15, 2026. The association partnered with the UI Food Pantry Organization to bring awareness to the growing problem of food insecurity that students and staff face at the university.

Why it matters

Food insecurity has become a significant issue at the University of Iowa, with recent data showing it affects 61% of graduate students, 21% of undergraduates, and 18% of faculty and staff. The fundraiser aimed to raise awareness and support for the UI Food Pantry Organization's efforts to address this growing problem on campus.

The details

The fundraiser included live music from the band HomeBrewed, featuring songs by Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and more. The event took six months of preparation and involved volunteers from the UI and Food Pantry. While the main goal was to raise awareness, the event also collected donations, and Tavern Blue planned to donate 10% of its proceeds to the Iowa City Food Pantry.

  • The fundraiser was held on February 15, 2026.
  • Between June 2024 and May 2025, food insecurity had reached 61% in the graduate population, 21% in the undergraduate population, and 18% in the faculty and staff population at the University of Iowa.

The players

University of Iowa Retiree Association

A group that interacts with and helps the student body academically, financially, and socially, and values the importance of its continuous help in serving the university.

UI Food Pantry Organization

A campus organization that works to address food insecurity among students and staff at the University of Iowa.

HomeBrewed

A band that performed at the fundraiser, playing songs by Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and more.

Steph Beecher

The basic needs coordinator in the Division of Student Life since 2022, who helped prepare for the event.

Evalyn Van Allen-Shalash

The past president of the UI Retiree Association, who was impressed by the turnout and donations at the event.

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What they’re saying

“The main goal of this fundraiser isn't even to raise money, it's more about raising awareness around the issue of food insecurity.”

— Steph Beecher, basic needs coordinator in the Division of Student Life (dailyiowan.com)

“This night has exceeded my expectations.”

— Evalyn Van Allen-Shalash, past president of the UI Retiree Association (dailyiowan.com)

What’s next

The final amount of funds raised at the event has yet to be announced.

The takeaway

The fundraiser highlights the growing issue of food insecurity among the University of Iowa community and the efforts by the UI Retiree Association and the UI Food Pantry Organization to raise awareness and support for addressing this problem.