Hunger-Free Campus Designation
The Hunger Free Campus program is in partnership with the Minnesota Office of Higher Education, Students United, LeadMN, and University of Minnesota student leadership. This is a grant program that will give up to $8,000 per campus to work toward ending hunger on campus. This includes increasing access to food pantries on campus, partnering with local food shelves, or increasing staff to assist in hunger-related program navigation. Once Universities receive a designation from Students United, they can also apply for up to $5,000 in continuing funds to continue hunger-related work on campus.
QUALIFICATIONS to become a Hunger Free Campus designation:
A Hunger Free Campus is a Minnesota State community and/or technical college that is actively taking strides to reduce food insecurity amongst students. In order to be awarded the Hunger Free Campus designation, a campus must meet the following minimum criteria:
Has a food pantry, partnership with a food bank, or some type of food distribution system on campus available to students.
Has a designated staff person on campus to educate students on SNAP and other public services aimed to reduce food insecurity. The institution shall notify students in work-study employment of their potential eligibility for SNAP benefits and provide information to those students that includes eligibility criteria and how to apply for benefits.
Provides emergency funds to assist students who may be experiencing basic needs insecurity.
Has a taskforce dedicated to addressing food insecurity concerns.
Hosts or participates in at least one hunger awareness event each year.
Universities must also re-apply for the designation every four years which will be reviewed by Students United.