The grant will expand food access, support SNAP CHEF+, and strengthen resources that combat student hunger across campus. The pantry will host a produce pop-up on Nov. 19 at noon.
Last month, the University of Maryland, Baltimore's (UMB) Student Pantry and the Office of Student Success, Leadership, and Engagement were awarded $12,000 through the Maryland Higher Education Commission’s Hunger-Free Campus Grant. This marks the third consecutive year UMB has received this funding. With this designation, the University reaffirms its commitment to addressing student hunger, increasing awareness of basic-needs resources, and advancing sustainable solutions that help students thrive academically.
Food insecurity remains a significant challenge for students across UMB. Data from the Spring 2024 Student Experience Survey highlights the scope of this need:
-
More than 29 percent worried their food would run out before they could buy more.
-
22 percent had food that didn’t last — and lacked money to replace it.
-
33 percent could not afford to eat balanced meals.
This new round of funding will directly support initiatives aimed at reducing these barriers. A major portion will sustain SNAP CHEF+, the Student Pantry’s ready-to-eat meal program designed to offer food awards via a national food delivery platform. Last academic year, SNAP CHEF+ expanded to serve up to 95 students, providing reliable access to hot meals for those who often skip food due to demanding academic schedules. With no campus dining plan and limited SNAP-approved vendors near UMB, this program continues to fill a critical gap.
The pantry also received an additional $3,000 from the Swipe Out Hunger grant, a statewide effort supporting campus food security. These funds will bolster pantry operations and help meet the growing needs of UMB students.
Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to stay connected through the Student Pantry website and UMBengaged for upcoming events. As part of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week (Nov. 17–21), the pantry will host a produce pop-up on Nov. 19 at noon in the SMC Campus Center lobby.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Student Pantry and available resources, click here.