Food Access Initiatives and Resources

The UMB Student Pantry

flat lay view at kitchen table full with non-perishable foods

The UMB Student Pantry assists with facilitating students' access to nutritionally rich snacks and meals and is open to all UMB students. Each month, the UMB Student Pantry distributes over 1,000 pounds of shelf-stable food and hygiene items. Students can place pantry orders via an online form and pick up their order from lockers located on the first floor of the SMC Campus Center.

The UMB Student Pantry values and respects dietary restrictions and preferences related to choice, health and wellness, and/or religious and spiritual practices. We offer a selection of Halal, Kosher, vegan, and vegetarian shelf-stable options.

Monthly Pop-up Pantry events are hosted at different locations on campus to meet students where they are and increase food access awareness.

Request here!

Student Emergency Funds

At the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), each of the seven schools has a student emergency fund to provide support to UMB students experiencing a temporary financial hardship, including those impacted by COVID-19. Funding is available to U.S. and international students.

Application requirements may vary. For more information, visit the Student Emergency Funds webpage.

More Information

 

An uncracked brown egg, balanced on the times of two forks

WHAT IS FOOD INSECURITY? 

Food insecurity is more than hunger. It is an individual's or group's inability to "provide enough food for every person to live an active, healthy life" (Feeding America, 2020).

Many UMB students have indicated experiencing food insecurities since the start of the 2020-2021 academic year. 

Food Insecurity at UMB

According to the Food Security survey issued in fall 2020, UMB students indicated the following: 

29 percent

22 percent

33 percent

I was worried whether my food would run out before I got money to buy more.

The food that I bought just didn't last, and I didn't have money to get more.

I couldn't afford to eat balanced meals.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

SNAP Summary ▾

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, known as the Food Supplement Program, or FSP, in Maryland) provides monthly assistance to low-income individuals and families to help them purchase food to meet their food and nutritional needs.

Everyone has the right to apply for SNAP — including UMB students. To learn if you meet the eligibility requirements, review the SNAP Eligibility for Students section below and/or contact the Maryland Department of Human Services.

The SNAP Program provides a monthly sum of money on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card to be used, like a debit card, at authorized grocery stores and other food retailers.

To receive assistance applying for SNAP, call Maryland Hunger Solutions at 1-866-821-5552 or visit the Apply for SNAP webpage. 

SNAP Eligibility for Students ▾

Most students ages 18 through 49 who are enrolled in college or other institutions of higher education at least half time are not eligible for SNAP. However, students qualify for SNAP benefits if they meet one of the following conditions:

  1. take part in a state or federally financed work-study program;
  2. maintain a work schedule of at least 20 hours a week (no averaging);
  3. receive cash assistance benefits under a TCA program;
  4. are taking care of a dependent household member under the age of 6;
  5. are taking care of a dependent household member over the age of 5 but under 12 and do not have adequate child care to enable them to attend school and work a minimum of 20 hours, or to take part in a state or federally financed work-study program; or
  6. are a single parent in school full time with a child under 12; or
  7. are assigned to or placed in a college or certain other schools through:
    1. a program under the Workforce Investment Act,
    2. a program under Section 236 of the Trade Act of 1974,
    3. an employment and training program under the Food Stamp Act, or
    4. an employment and training program operated by a state or local government.
  8. are receiving disability and receiving SSI, SSA, or VA disability payments, or
  9. have a disability verified by a doctor or licensed psychologist.

For more information on eligibility, click here to visit the Department of Human Services' Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program webpage. 

Where Can I Use SNAP? ▾

The USDA has created a SNAP Retailer Locator. Just enter a zip code, address, city, and/or state to locate SNAP-authorized retailers.  

SNAP Guidance from the Office of Student Financial Assistance & Student Employment ▾

Find out how your financial aid information impacts your ability to qualify for SNAP benefits by contacting the Office of Student Financial Assistance & Student Employment. 

More Information

SNAP COVID-19 Update

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility has temporarily been expanded for students through The Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021 (effective Jan. 16, 2021). The new, temporary exemptions will be in effect until 30 days after the COVID-19 public health emergency is lifted. To find out if you qualify under the new criteria, click on the link below.

More Information

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) 

WIC is a special supplemental nutrition program aiming to safeguard the health of those who are pregnant, breastfeeding/chestfeeding (up to one year after delivery), those up to six months postpartum and not breastfeeding/chestfeeding, infants and toddlers, and children up to age 5 who are low-income and at nutrition risk. Use the link below for more information about WIC, how to apply, and eligibility requirements. 

More Information

Help us Stock the Shelves for the Next Six Months!

Shelf stable food with sign in center reading donate

Studies have indicated that there is a direct connection between not having enough nutritional food and student success. The UMB Student Food Insecurity and Emergency Fund was created to help support the success of those experiencing food insecurity in or around campus. You can contribute to stocking our shelves by setting up your one-time or reoccurring contribution.

Click Here to Donate!

image of fork under a magnifying glass

FIND FOOD NEAR YOU

The Maryland Food Bank has an updated list of open partners in the state. Click the button below to access its webpage and search food resources by ZIP code. 

Learn more!

External Link Disclaimer

The links above are being provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval by the University of Maryland, Baltimore of any of the products, services, or opinions of the corporation or organization. The University of Maryland, Baltimore bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality, or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.  

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