Student Food Resources

Hamline Food Resource Center

At this center, students will find fresh fruits, vegetables, other produce, proteins, grains, snacks, as well as resources from the Women's Resource Center like pregnancy tests, condoms, and menstrual products. There is no limit on how much food/items an individual may take with them, and students may return to this center as many times a week as they want. No paperwork or other proof of need is required for Hamline students to access this service. At the center, students may also find physical information about SNAP benefits and other community resources relating to food access.

The Food Resource Center is located in West Hall 110. Ask front desk staff or email foodaccess@hamline.edu with questions about the center, its location, and available resources. Volunteers or staff are available to answer questions at the center itself.

Visit the Food Resource Center Google site for our hours or contact us at foodaccess@hamline.edu.

Dean of Students office resources

Students can access grocery gift cards from $10 to $30 to stores such as Aldi, Cub, and Target. No proof of need is required to access this service. However, after the first visit, students will be asked to set up a meeting with personnel in the Dean of Students office to further discuss needs and resources.

Through the Dean of Students Office, financially qualified students can also access emergency, interest-free loans of up to $500. These loans are required to be paid back within 60 days.

Contact an-studentaffairs@hamline.edu with questions.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Referral Program

You may be eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). If your budget is tight, SNAP provides money that can help supplement your grocery budget for FREE. 

Eligibility requirements: 

  • A U.S. citizen, green card holder for at least 5 years, refugee or asylee
  • Earn less than $2,510 gross a month* (amount increases with additional household members)
  • Fulfill ONE of the following:
    • You are participating in a federal or state work-study program (as part of your financial aid package)
    • You are employed for a minimum of 20 hours per week and are paid for such employment or, if self-employed, are employed for a minimum of 20 hours per week and receiving weekly earnings at least equal to the Federal minimum wage multiplied by 20 hours
    • You have a physical or mental disability
    • You are a single parent enrolled in an institution of higher education on a full-time basis (as determined by the institution) and are responsible for the care of a dependent child under age 12
    • You are under age 17 or over age 50.

Even if you don’t need it now, you should know about this safety net and that you and/or your family may be entitled to access SNAP if you meet these requirements.

A USDA government report demonstrates less than 3% of students use this important resource but more than half of students are eligible.

*College students who have roommates but do not share food qualify as a one-person household.
 

Campus garden opportunities and resources

There are two gardens on Hamline's campus available for harvest for students. The Peace and Appreciation Garden is located by East Hall next to the tennis courts, and Hamline Microfarm is located behind Hamline Church (behind the SPROUT Garden).

Students are not required to be involved in a volunteer capacity in order to harvest from the campus garden. However, interested students can get involved with the gardens through summer internships and work study positions. There are several fall garden work days where volunteers can come help out.

For information on garden volunteering and usage, contact sustainability@hamline.edu.

Contact information