Next Meal Network: Campus Collaboration for Food Security

Food insecurity and access to basic needs

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

Student LunchBox was founded in 2020 to directly combat college hunger, a crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. From the start, we recognized the urgent need to address this alarming yet long-overlooked issue, further amplified by campus closures, job losses, and financial hardships. Our understanding stems from extensive research and firsthand student experiences grappling with hunger's harsh realities. We witnessed how lack of consistent, nutritious meals posed immediate threats to health and well-being, while also hindering academic performance, mental health, and long-term success.
Through interactions with diverse LA County student populations, we gained deep understanding for multifaceted challenges fueling college hunger: poverty, high costs of living, limited aid, lack of affordable housing, and difficult choices between tuition, housing, or food. Since its inception, we have been serving over 4000 college students monthly from 10 campuses across Los Angeles County.

SLB's comprehensive food recovery program directly addresses the issue of college hunger. Our innovative approach focuses on sourcing and recovering surplus nutritious food from local businesses, food banks and community organizations, and distributing the rescued goods to low-income college students through strategic partnerships with educational institutions across Los Angeles County.
Through on-campus pantries, satellite locations, and mobile markets, we ensure students have consistent access to healthy groceries, fresh produce, pantry staples and personal care items. This multi-channel distribution model empowers students to meet their dietary requirements and overall well-being without leaving the college premises.
Central to our program is the "Free Shopping Experience," replicating a traditional grocery store/farmers market style setting that allows students to select items with dignity and mitigates feelings of shame. This compassionate approach fosters an inclusive environment where students access the resources they need without judgment.
The grant will support SLB's infrastructure expansion, enabling us to serve more students effectively. The funds sill support increasing warehouse capacity, procuring an additional cargo vehicle and onboarding staff to streamline operations. Such investment will contribute to the academic success and overall well-being of college students, empowering them to break free from the cycle of poverty and achieve their full potential.

Through our successful work, LA County will experience a transformative shift in the landscape of college hunger. By providing consistent access to nutritious food, we will empower thousands of students to break free from the chains hunger, enabling them to focus on their academic pursuits.
As graduation rates rise and students achieve their full potential, LA will benefit from a more skilled, resilient workforce ready to contribute to the region's economic and social vitality.
Moreover, our success will inspire a culture of compassion, collaboration, and sustainability throughout the county. By rescuing surplus food and redirecting it to those in need, we will demonstrate the power of community-driven solutions in addressing complex social issues while promoting environmental stewardship.
Ultimately, SLB will contribute to a stronger LA County – a place where the collective well-being of our communities is elevated through the power of nourishment, education, and shared purpose.

Student LunchBox (SLB) tracks success via key metrics:
Reach: Expansion across colleges and partnerships.
Impact: Families and students served.
Food Distribution: Pounds of food provided.
Feedback: Surveys for service refinement.
Collaboration: Partner growth signifies resource optimization.
Outcomes:
Financial: Students save $400-$600 monthly, aiding essential expenses.
Health: Nutritious food improves physical health and energy.
Mental Well-being: Less stress enhances focus and academic prowess.
Academic: Notable gains in concentration and performance.
Social: SLB fosters a stigma-free dialogue on campus hunger.
Survey Insights:
79% report mental health improvements.
78% save significantly on expenses.
74% achieve academic excellence.
72% experience reduced hunger stigma.
69% enjoy better physical health.
SLB’s approach effectively addresses student food insecurity, promoting well-being and academic success.