Hunger Free Campus

The Hunger Free Campus Act was passed in 2019 by the Minnesota State Legislature. The Act established the Hunger Free Campus Designation requirements for community and technical colleges in the Minnesota State System. In order to be awarded the Hunger Free Campus Designation, there are five eligibility requirements. These five requirements complement Hennepin Technical College’s goal of student persistence and retention.

Hunger Free Campus Designation Requirements

• Establish a partnership with a local food bank to provide regular, on-campus food distributions
• Provide information to students on SNAP, MFIP, and other programs that reduce​ food insecurity;​
• Hold or participate in one hunger awareness event per academic year;​
• Have an established emergency assistance grant that is available to students;
• Establish a hunger task force that meets a minimum of three times per academic year

Hennepin Tech students were surveyed using the #RealCollege survey in 2019. The survey found that 40% of Hennepin Tech students are food insecure, which means they do not have a steady source of food or cannot afford to feed themselves or their families.

Food Distributions for All Students

Hennepin Technical College has partnered with Good in the ‘Hood! and the Food Group to provide free groceries to those in need. Groceries are distributed on a first come, first serve basis on the dates below.

The food distribution has moved to a market or choice style-model. This means guests will be able to "shop" and choose their own foods from a selection of fresh vegetables, fruit, meat, dairy, grains, shelf stable foods that are available. With this method, guests do not have to take items they already have, do not like, or cannot eat.

If you have questions, please contact SLCD@HennepinTech.edu.

New Food Pantry

Coming soon to the Brooklyn Park campus, Room F120. Watch for opening announcements.

Free Meals on Campus

Free, fresh meals are available in the marked cooler in room F120 at Brooklyn Park and the Eden Prairie Campus Store. Take a meal for lunch or dinner! Available while campus is open and as long as food lasts or gone. Contact Public Safety for assistance.

SNAP

Are you in need of more money for groceries? SNAP (formerly food stamps) is a monthly financial benefit that allows you to purchase healthy, nutritious foods at local grocery, convenience, farmers markets and recently online on amazon and Wal-Mart. Meet with a resource guide to learn about SNAP and other public support programs. There is no risk in seeing if you are eligible.

Check out the public supports screening tool here at Bridge to Benefits. This can help determine if you are eligible for programs like SNAP, Energy Assistance, Child Care Assistance and more.

Check for SNAP Eligibility

Resource Room

Can’t make it to a food distribution markets? Hennepin Tech has a Resource Room with self-serve food pantry stocked with non-perishable foods, snacks, clothing, shoes, and personal care hygiene items free to use. Everyone is welcome to stop by and check out the services and resources available to use.

The Resource Room is open during building hours and is located in F125 at the Brooklyn Park campus and F120 at the Eden Prairie Campus.