Full Breakdown
College of St. Scholastica Receives Hunger Free Campus Grant to Combat Food Insecurity
2/24/2026, 4:54:07 AM
Addressing Food Scarcity on Campus
The College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota, has been awarded a Hunger Free Campus grant amounting to $17,600 over two years from the Minnesota Office of Higher Education. This funding aims to bolster the college's efforts in addressing food insecurity among its students, a challenge that affects approximately 23% of college undergraduates nationwide, according to a 2024 Government Accountability Office study. Sammi Good Nelson, the campus minister overseeing the college's food pantry, Storm's Cupboard, emphasized the importance of this support, stating, “We just want to meet their basic needs.”
Historical Context and Previous Funding
This grant marks the second time St. Scholastica has received such funding since a 2023 higher education bill expanded eligibility for private, nonprofit educational institutions. The Minnesota legislature allocated $200,000 for Hunger Free Campus grants last year, which have proven essential for maintaining the pantry's operations. Nelson noted that without these grants, sustaining the program would be significantly more challenging.
Expanding Resources and Accessibility
Storm's Cupboard has evolved from a modest food shelf into a vital resource for students, fulfilling nearly 489 requests across various food accessibility programs last year. The pantry offers a range of services, including a second pop-up pantry in the Health Science Center and grocery cards for off-campus students. Nelson highlighted the increased demand for these services, particularly this school year, with over 210 requests already logged, indicating a rise in usage compared to the previous year. Factors contributing to this uptick include issues with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding.
Community Engagement and Awareness Initiatives
In addition to providing food, the Hunger Free Campus grant mandates that St. Scholastica engage in at least one hunger awareness event annually. The college actively informs students about food assistance programs and offers support for completing eligibility applications. Nelson pointed out the importance of raising awareness about food insecurity, stating, “Food insecurity reaches more students' lives than the average person would recognize.”
Community Support and Future Outlook
The sustainability of Storm's Cupboard relies heavily on community support, including donations and volunteer efforts. A recent food drive organized by students, staff, and faculty collected over 700 items for the pantry. Nelson remarked on the growth of the program, stating, “It started small and humble, and it's grown into something that the campus really relies on.” This initiative reflects the college's commitment to fostering a supportive community for all students.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We just want to meet their basic needs.” — Sammi Good Nelson, Campus Minister
- “Jed Carlson / Duluth Media Group “We rely heavily on outside funding for this program.” — Sammi Good Nelson, Campus Minister
- “Food insecurity reaches more students' lives than the average person would recognize,” Nelson said.” — Sammi Good Nelson, Campus Minister
- “It started small and humble, and it's grown into something that the campus really relies on.” — Sammi Good Nelson, Campus Minister
This grant and the ongoing efforts at St. Scholastica represent a significant step toward alleviating food insecurity on college campuses, ensuring that students have access to the resources they need to succeed academically and personally.
