As you might know, a growing number of students across the country are experiencing food insecurity each day. The Government Accountability Office notes that more than 30% of college students experience limited access to food. Simmons, partnering with our students and food service provider Aramark, has been actively working to address some of this need within our own community for both on- and off-campus students. I'm excited to share our current resources along with our future plans. Corey I. Zohlman Assistant Dean of Student Engagement Office of Student Affairs
Students who do not have a meal plan can receive meal swipes to be used on-campus who are facing episodic food insecurity. This program is not a replacement for a meal plan but a supplement based on need and circumstance. ● Students may request up to 15 meals per semester. ● Will receive meal swipes to be used at all Simmons dining locations. ● In the insecurity is not episodic, meet with the Student Affairs Office to help triage with a more permanent solution. Please fill out the form to start the commuter student meal process
Students who hold a residential meal plan can either donate meals or points to a "bank" to be utilized by other residential students who are facing temporary food insecurity or may request meals and points based on need. Access Meals: If you are in need of meals or points, you need to meet the following criteria: ● Students with a demonstrated need who need meals should access the meal bank (not enough meals to get them through the end of the semester). ● Students may request up to 38 meals per semester. (2 weeks of meals; 19 per week). ● Points will be given as needed to supplement meal swipes.
Students who wish to donate meals or points may do so by completing the form to start the donation process. The donation policy is listed below. ● Meals donated can currently only be redistributed to other residential meal plan holders. ● Donation of meals and points can not occur until the following dates for each semester: ● 7 Weeks from the start of the fall semester. ● 7 Weeks from the star of the spring semester. ● No more than two weeks of meals (38) can be donated per semester, per student. ● Guest meals can not be donated. ● No more than 50 points can be donated per semester.
Fresh Truck will come to campus throughout the year to offer year-round food security to help create a healthier community by reducing the financial barrier of sourcing fresh and well-priced produce. The truck offers affordable options to introduce fresh fruits and vegetables into your meals. All students are welcome to participate in this program! There is a small bank of vouchers that have a value of $5 that can be requested by students. The bank is supported by donations from faculty and staff. To be entered to receive one of the vouchers, please add your Student ID number below and click SUBMIT.