Hunger Free Campus Grant Helps Alleviate Food Insecurities

Minneapolis College was awarded a Hunger Free Campus Grant award in the amount of \$41,921 by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education. The grant program, established to address food insecurity at private, non-profit postsecondary institutions and tribal colleges in Minnesota, was a highly-competitive process with requests exceeding \$1,000,000 from 30 of the 33 Minnesota State Colleges and Universities.  

Minneapolis College’s grant application stood out for its strength, clarity and alignment with the goals of Minnesota State’s Hunger Free Campus Program. As part of the grant program, Minneapolis College will:

• Maintain an on-campus food pantry or partnership with a local food bank to provide regular, on-campus food distributions
• Provide information to students on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), and other programs that reduce food insecurity
• Notify students in work-study employment of their potential eligibility for SNAP benefits and provide information to those students about eligibility criteria and how to apply for benefits
• Hold or participate in one hunger awareness event per academic year
• Provide emergency assistance grants to students
• Establish a hunger task force that meets a minimum of three times per academic year and includes at least two students who are currently enrolled at the institution

“Many Minneapolis College students experience challenges meeting their basic needs, such as food insecurity, transportation barriers, and homelessness. Access to food and essential resources helps them remain in school. I am deeply thankful for the Hunger Free Campus Grant and the positive difference it makes for both Minneapolis College and our wider community,” said Kyle Sarpong, Student Activities Coordinator for Leadership and Campus Community Development.

Students at Minneapolis College have access to on-campus resources through two primary locations, Amy’s Food Depot and the food pantry located in the Resource and Referral Center. Amy’s Food Depot (H. 1208) is open Monday’s from 12:15 – 2 p.m. or Thursday’s from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. It has been student-run for 15 years and provides snacks and premade meals. The food pantry located within the Resource and Referral Center (T.1220) is open on Wednesday’s from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. The Food Pantry offers grocery staples for cooking and offerings change weekly based on what is available. Fresh produce is also available with varied selection based on what the College is able to order.

These resources are part of the College’s commitment to connecting enrolled students with supportive community networks and resources to alleviate obstacles to their success.

“Students utilizing on-campus resources, whether for a quick snack between classes or specialized food items for their families, will find a welcoming environment among their peers,” said Kyle Sarpong. “Minneapolis College is dedicated to supporting its students and the Hunger Free Campus Grant strengthens those efforts.”