Food insecurity among college students in the United States is a national crisis that requires immediate attention. While the COVID-19 pandemic initially made this issue much worse, the problem is now tied to broader challenges such as high rent, inflation, and the ongoing rise in tuition fees. These economic pressures have made it difficult for many students to afford both their education and their basic needs. With job instability and the high cost of living in 2026, many s

Imagine sitting in a lecture hall with 200 of your peers. You are all there for the same reason: to learn, to build something, to move toward a future you have worked hard to reach. But look around that room more carefully. According to the American College Health Association's Fall 2024 National College Health Assessment, roughly 40 of those students have been diagnosed with anxiety. Another 25 are living with depression. Around 156 of them walked into that lecture hall alre

Honoring and learning about American Indians is essential to living in the United States. It can feel overwhelming to begin if you want to know more about the people who came before you. That’s why Native American Heritage Month was created. The first designation was in 1990, and since 1994, the month has received different names, such as “Native American Heritage Month ” and “National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month.” The purpose of the month is to honor and

Student LunchBox volunteers serving students at Pierce College in Los Angeles. In the expansive realm of societal compassion, nonprofits emerge as silent architects of change, tackling multifaceted challenges. Here, the pressing issue of college student hunger takes center stage, casting a shadow over educational aspirations. Nonprofits are pivotal in reshaping this narrative, offering immediate relief and long-term strategies. Student LunchBox stands out in this landscape, n

We are proud to announce that Student LunchBox is a winner of The Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation's 2023 Local Impact Grants Challenge. The Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation is granting nearly $2.5 million this year to non-profits strengthening our communities. This prestigious award is a testament to our ongoing commitment to addressing campus hunger and strengthening the communities we serve. (Article in Spanish) Grant awards like this help us achieve our mission by driving o

In the year preceding the COVID-19 pandemic, according to USDA, approximately 35 million Americans, or 10.5 percent of US households, experienced food insecurity. Unfortunately, this number has surged since the pandemic's onset, with estimates suggesting a doubling rate. While food insecurity affects a significant portion of the population, it is crucial to highlight a group that often faces this crisis in silence: college students. Their struggles with food insecurity have m

As the season of giving approaches and the spirit of philanthropy fills the air, many of us are looking for meaningful ways to positively impact the world. One organization that truly stands out on this journey of compassion and generosity is Student LunchBox. Look no further if you're searching for a cause to support this Giving Tuesday. In this blog, we'll delve into why Student LunchBox deserves your attention and how your contributions can help tackle one of the most pres

Giving Tuesday has revolutionized philanthropy, making charitable giving a communal effort for good. These dedicated days, such as the renowned Big Day of Giving, have redefined the landscape of charity, fostering a spirit of generosity that transcends borders. Organizations like Student LunchBox hold these events in high regard as they play a pivotal role in supporting their mission to combat food insecurity. Participating in Giving Tuesday gives individuals a unique opportu

Volunteers are the lifeblood of nonprofit organizations, providing essential support and expertise to further their missions. However, attracting and retaining dedicated volunteers can be a challenge. In this blog post, we will explore effective strategies and best practices for engaging volunteers and ensuring they feel valued and motivated to continue their meaningful contributions. By implementing these techniques, your nonprofit can build a strong and committed volunteer

Student LunchBox and Cal State LA Summer Distribution GoldenTree Asset Management Joins Forces with Student LunchBox to Bolster Summer Operations and Nourish College Students with Essential Food Deliveries. Los Angeles, July 31 — Student LunchBox, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to combating food insecurity among college students, is thrilled to announce a generous sponsorship from GoldenTree Asset Management ("GoldenTree"). This invaluable funding will enable Stud

Cal State LA and Student LunchBox: Food Distribution Corporate giving has emerged as a transformative force in social impact, reshaping the dynamics of the corporate world. In an era where businesses are not just profit-driven entities but also ethical and responsible stakeholders, the concept of corporate giving has gained significant traction, leaving an indelible mark on society. It is a story of compassion, empathy, and the understanding that businesses hold the potential

Homelessness extends beyond just the visibly unhoused sleeping on streets and in tents. A hidden population experiencing housing insecurity is college students. Many struggle to afford the high costs of living and tuition in cities like Los Angeles while balancing full course loads. Student homelessness is a complex, often invisible issue on campuses across Los Angeles. Scope of Student Homelessness LA Times Report A recent study conducted by UCLA shone a light on the hidden

California State University Los Angeles in Partnership with Student LunchBox: getting ready for a Mobile Market distribution. Food pantries rely on donations from compassionate individuals and organizations to feed those facing hunger and food insecurity in their communities. Many of us want to help by donating food, but is this always the best way to provide support? While non-perishable food drives help stock pantry shelves, direct financial contributions can often make an

Student LunchBox and Volunteers Hunger and Food insecurity are a critical issue that affects millions of individuals and families worldwide. In recent years, the need to address this problem and find sustainable solutions has become increasingly urgent. In this blog post, we will explore community-driven approaches to combating food insecurity, highlighting the importance of collaboration, education, and innovation. By working together, we can create lasting change and ensure

A volunteer is helping to sort through produce to be distributed among families in need. Choosing the right charity to donate to and support is a personal decision that allows you to make a positive impact on causes that align with your values and passions. With countless organizations working towards various goals, it’s essential to take a thoughtful approach to ensure efforts make a difference. This guide will provide practical tips to help you choose the right charity that

Composting is simple: it is the process of breaking down organic materials, such as food scraps, into nutrient-rich soil. Composting is important because it helps reduce waste in landfills, improves soil health, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. The deposition of organic material in landfills produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas that significantly contributes to global warming. Shockingly, according to CalRecycle , a staggering 18% of the waste in California's landfi

Cal Fresh For College Students The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food benefits to low-income individuals and families in the United States. For college students in California who are struggling to afford necessities such as food, SNAP benefits can be a vital lifeline. SNAP is a federally funded program, and California has its own program similar to SNAP: CalFresh. Both programs are relatively similar, with the difference being in eligibility requir

A study conducted in the fall of 2019 found that 39% of college students experienced food insecurity in the past 30 days. According to Feeding America , there is a difference between "hunger" and "food insecurity. " Hunger is the feeling of not eating, whereas food insecurity is the inability to access enough resources to find food. Some college students may have the resources for one meal but lack the resources for the next, resulting in an inconsistent diet. Eating consis

Without donations, many nonprofit groups would not be able to achieve their goals. Charitable organizations like Student LunchBox depend on donations and partnerships with local businesses to provide food to college students. In the United States, approximately 131 billion pounds of food are thrown away each year. This has widespread negative impacts on society. Food waste prevents hungry people from getting the food they need and makes the labor involved in food production

The purpose of nonprofits is to help the public. A need is identified, and good people work to fulfill that need. The main challenges many charities face are workload, funding, and demand . Many people may not realize how much work goes into a nonprofit to keep it running smoothly and efficiently. There are different laws and regulations surrounding nonprofits. However, a nonprofit is a business . They require money to stay afloat through donations or government assistance.

Isn't this a rather unsurprising data point? I mean, sure, when you're hungry, you don't focus as well as when your stomach isn't growling. It's harder to concentrate on your homework, lessons, and studying. Healthy brains make better gains and all that. Any third grader can confidently make this assertion. So, when does an obvious, albeit unfortunate, observation become a problem we can no longer ignore? When 20-50% of US college students experience food insecurity. When stu

The inflation of gas prices has been a hard hit on Americans who rely on vehicles for work, taking their children to school, or going to medical appointments. Not only do high gas prices affect individuals, but it affects businesses and nonprofits alike as well. Increasing Gas Prices According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration , in January of 2020 (right before lockdown for Covid-19), the average gas price in California was $3.48 per gallon. Prices dipped to $2.77

Picture Nicole, a young, aspiring engineering student who saved up all her money and took on multiple jobs to pay for her first year at community college. Her tuition is paid for, but the housing problem remains. She has a car that a friend’s parent has let her borrow, which has become her home, where she sleeps at night, showering and brushing her teeth at various places around campus. The stress of deciding where to park her car at night, where to shower, and where to get f

In the United States, approximately 108 billion pounds of food is wasted annually—one-third of the global food waste. This food waste—enough to ensure no one goes hungry—is a major source of methane, a greenhouse gas responsible for climate change. What is Food Waste? When you think of food waste, what do you picture? Did you have the waiter remove uneaten scraps from the dinner table? Moldy leftovers in the fridge that had to be thrown out (because you swore they were on the