Food for Thought
Metro State operates the Food for Thought Food Pantry and offers drop-in hours for students and community members to pick up food. The Food for Thought Food Pantry utilizes a food choice model so visitors select their own items. The food pantry is located on the Saint Paul Campus (Dayton's Bluff) in Student Center Room 106 and is open to all Metropolitan State University students, staff, and community members. There is no cost to use the pantry. Find more information at metrostate.edu/students/support/food-for-thought.
Community Resources
Looking for food resources in your community? The following resources can help you locate food help in your area.
- Foodpantries.org: Find local pantries, soup kitchens, food banks, and additional food help.
- Hunger Solutions: Offers support with locating local food pantries and supplemental food programs.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Did you know that as a limited-income college student you could be eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program?
The Minnesota Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides supplemental income for purchasing food for low-income households. An eligible person or family receives an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which is used like any other debit card at the grocery store. The card uses money from a SNAP account set up for the eligible person or family to pay for food items.
Students, 18–49, attending an institution of higher education, like a college, university, trade school, or technical school more than half-time are eligible for SNAP if they meet an exemption and meet all other SNAP eligibility requirements, including income guidelines.
As of Jan. 16, 2021, a student may be eligible if they meet one of the qualifications:
1) They are eligible to participate in state or federally financed work study during the regular school year. Your school determines if you are eligible for work study or
2.) They have an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of 0 in the current academic year (based on the FASFA- Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
Students who are interested in getting help with apply for SNAP benefits can email student.parentcenter@metrostate.edu. A staff member will respond and help you get connected to the appropriate resources.
You can also apply directly through your local county office. For residents of MN, you can complete the online application for benefit determination through https://mnbenefits.mn.gov/.