Student LunchBox Celebrates Six Years of Growth, Impact, and New Milestones
- Student LunchBox
- Jul 23
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 31
On July 20, 2026, as Student LunchBox celebrated its anniversary, we shared important news. The year 2026 marks a defining stage of growth for Student LunchBox. We have worked diligently to establish SLB as a trusted ally in higher education and a reliable source of support for students experiencing food and financial hardship. Today, Student LunchBox serves thousands of college students through 17 campus partnerships across Los Angeles County, extending from the San Fernando Valley to Long Beach.
As we reflect on six years of service, we are proud to share several important developments that demonstrate the strength of our programs, partnerships, leadership, and growing community of supporters.
Our Largest Mobile Market Launch at CSULB
Student LunchBox began the year with its largest mobile market launch to date at California State University, Long Beach. Through the extraordinary support of Food Forward, the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, Food Finders, and Shelter Partnership, we are providing thousands of additional students with fresh produce, groceries, clothing, toiletries, hygiene supplies, and other everyday essentials.
The CSULB market has quickly grown into SLB's second-largest mobile market, reflecting the significant need among college students and what can be accomplished when trusted organizations work together. This partnership has created a reliable campus resource where students can receive meaningful support as they continue pursuing their academic goals with greater stability.
Summer Markets Continue at Cal State LA
We are also pleased to continue our summer mobile markets at California State University, Los Angeles. By extending our markets throughout the season, Student LunchBox is helping the Cal State LA community maintain consistent access to fresh produce, groceries, and other essential resources beyond the traditional academic year.
These summer markets represent our commitment to remaining present when students need us, not only during the busiest semesters, but throughout the year. Reliable access to food can provide students with the stability they need to remain focused on their education, employment, families, and long-term goals.
A Special Visit at Los Angeles Pierce College
We recently had the pleasure of welcoming Nasri Atweh, lead singer of the band MAGIC! and the voice behind the popular song “Rude,” to support Student LunchBox operations at Los Angeles Pierce College. His visit marked the second time a prominent figure has joined our work directly on campus.
We are deeply grateful when artists and public figures choose to stand alongside the students we serve. Their participation brings greater visibility to college hunger and demonstrates that this mission is shared by people from many different industries and communities. Nasri’s presence brought encouragement and positive energy to the market, reminding students that their needs are seen and that people beyond their campuses are invested in their success.
Welcoming Maggie Gisel to Our Board
Student LunchBox is proud to announce that Maggie Gisel has joined our Board of Directors. Maggie previously served as a development manager at Food Finders and brings valuable experience in fundraising, nonprofit development, donor relations, and community partnership building.
In her new role, Maggie will help guide SLB’s development and fundraising efforts as we strengthen the existing program and prepare for responsible growth. Her experience, relationships, and commitment to hunger relief will help Student LunchBox build a stronger foundation for long-term sustainability. We are honored to welcome her leadership during such an important period in our organization’s development.
Donor Support Strengthens the Year Ahead
Our work would not be possible without the generosity of the foundations, corporations, our incredible monthly donors, Board Members, and community partners who believe in our mission. We extend our sincere appreciation to GoldenTree Asset Management, Whole Foods Market, Matson, Inc., the Labcorp Charitable Foundation, the Lebovitz Fund for Philanthropy, and the many generous supporters who prefer to remain anonymous.
Their early commitments provided Student LunchBox with the stability needed to begin 2026 with confidence and continue campus deliveries, mobile markets, warehouse operations, transportation, and student support without interruption. This support allows our team to remain focused on consistent service while responding to the growing number of students seeking assistance.
Preparing for Responsible Growth
As Student LunchBox continues this year of organizational growth, we are working toward acquiring a larger vehicle that will strengthen transportation operations and allow us to recover and deliver greater quantities of food and essential goods. This investment will also help us responsibly welcome additional campuses into our network while protecting the quality and consistency of services already provided to current students.
We are currently in discussions with East Los Angeles College about joining the Student LunchBox program. Through this potential partnership, students would have access to groceries, clothing, hygiene products, and other daily necessities directly through their campus. We are excited about the possibility of supporting the ELAC community and continuing to strengthen access to essential resources across Los Angeles County.
Celebrate With Us Through Target Circle
In a meaningful full-circle moment, Student LunchBox has been selected to participate in Target Circle Community Giving during our sixth-anniversary year. Target Circle members can vote for Student LunchBox from July 1 through September 30, 2026, helping direct Target’s community giving funds toward the operations that keep our programs moving.
Each previous Target purchase earns a vote, and members may cast their available votes for Student LunchBox through the Target app or online.
You can cast 1-500 votes or more.
If Student LunchBox does not appear on the voting page, open the Application or the website, select the Shop option, change your store location to Central LA (Zip Code 90011), then return to the Target Circle voting page.
Thank you for continuing to stand with Student LunchBox and the students we serve. Your support reminds every student who walks through our lines that their goals matter, their needs are seen, and their future is worth investing in. As we celebrate this milestone and this exciting opportunity with Target Circle, we are deeply grateful for the community that has helped carry our mission forward. And as always, if you are able, a gift of any size helps us continue showing up for students with the care, consistency, and dignity they deserve.
