LeadMN Names Minneapolis College a Hunger Free Campus

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 designation, a campus must meet the following minimum criteria:

• Have a food pantry, partnership with a food bank or some type of food distribution system on campus available to students
• Have a designated staff person on campus to educate students on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and other public services aimed at reducing food insecurity
• Provide emergency funds to assist students who may be experiencing basic needs insecurity
• Have a taskforce dedicated to addressing food insecurity concerns
• Host or participate in at least one hunger awareness event each year

On April 24, LeadMN named Minneapolis College to its list of Hunger Free Campuses. 

“No student can succeed in the classroom if they can’t get food or shelter outside the
classroom,” said Oballa Oballa, President of LeadMN. “If Minnesota wants to meet the state workforce demands we need to help meet the basic needs of college students so they can focus on the classroom.” 

The largest survey of college and university students in Minnesota found that 37% of respondents were food insecure in the previous 90 days and 48% were housing insecure in the previous year. 

“It is imperative that food security be at the forefront of college institutions, especially during these changing times. By Minneapolis College receiving this hard-earned designation, we have come one step closer to providing basic needs for college students, helping to ensure everyone can reach their educational goals,” said Student Body President Brian Lindell.