URGENT UPDATE: The University of Iowa Retirees Association hosted a pivotal fundraiser on February 15, 2025, at Tavern Blue, drawing significant attention to the alarming issue of food insecurity impacting students and staff. The event, titled “Music, Meals, and Making a Difference,” aimed not only to raise funds but primarily to elevate awareness about this critical problem.
The collaboration with the UI Food Pantry Organization highlights the growing concern that between June 2024 and May 2025, food insecurity rates soared to 61 percent among graduate students, 21 percent among undergraduates, and 18 percent among faculty and staff. Steph Beecher, the basic needs coordinator within the Division of Student Life, emphasized the urgency of these findings, stating, “The main goal of this fundraiser isn’t even to raise money, it’s more about raising awareness around the issue of food insecurity.”
The lively atmosphere at Tavern Blue featured live music by the band HomeBrewed, energizing attendees with classic hits from Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson. The event drew a large crowd that danced, sang, and clapped, showcasing the community’s commitment to tackling food insecurity.
Despite the festive mood, the underlying message was serious. Beecher, who dedicated six months to organizing the event, noted the importance of community involvement in addressing food needs. Attendees were encouraged to support the food pantry even if they couldn’t attend, through a QR code that directed them to Amazon, allowing them to donate food items directly.
Past president of the UI Retirees Association, Evalyn Van Allen-Shalash, expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming turnout and donations. “It had been an emotional night,” she remarked. “Seeing the donation boxes constantly full made my heart happy.” Van Allen-Shalash also credited various groups, including the Graduate College and the UI Center for Human Rights, for spreading the word about the fundraiser.
Tavern Blue played a crucial role in this initiative, generously offering their venue at no cost and pledging to donate 10 percent of the night’s proceeds to the Iowa City Food Pantry. This partnership further illustrates the community’s dedication to supporting those in need.
As the event wrapped up, organizers were left optimistic, though the total funds raised remain undisclosed. “This night has exceeded my expectations,” Van Allen-Shalash added, underlining the collective effort made by the community.
The UI Retirees Association and the Iowa City Food Pantry are determined to continue addressing food insecurity, a pressing issue that affects many within the university community. As more data emerges on this crisis, the urgency for awareness and action remains critical.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story and the ongoing efforts to combat food insecurity at the University of Iowa.
