Medical Service Learning

Food Finders Food Bank provides several resources to Tippecanoe County residents — a fresh market pantry, mobile pantry outreach, resource coordination programs, education programs and more. Volunteers are typically involved in stocking produce, checking out customers, sorting donations and garden support. In the past, IU School of Medicine students have volunteered here for the First Year Community Immersion Project and spring/fall days of service, but students are also encouraged to volunteer for Fresh Market shifts that are available every week.

With grant funding associated with our student outreach clinic, we have been able to make programs available through United Way Lafayette that offer opportunities for the students at the West Lafayette campus to engage with local initiatives and offer support to the community in a meaningful way. Integrating patient interactions with other local outreach expands the connections we can build and sustain as individuals and as a campus.

In partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Lafayette, medical students on the West Lafayette campus have the opportunity to support children of the community from diverse backgrounds by offering mentorship, friendship and a reliable support system. Through these relationships, students help empower local youth to recognize their potential, understand the value of their future and gain the tools they need to thrive.

Lafayette Transitional Housing Center assists its residents with housing services, case management, health care and transportation. Volunteers can sign up to serve meals, prep supplies, monitor their computer lab and more.

Meals on Wheels Lafayette partners with Franciscan Health and Food Finders to prep low sodium, healthy meals that volunteers deliver to residents. They also partner with the VCA animal hospital to feed recipients’ pets. Interested students can sign up to volunteer as meal delivery drivers that check in on and socialize with residents.