Nearly 50,000 pounds of food have been distributed this academic year through Hamline University’s Food Resource Center (FRC), which serves students, staff, faculty and members of the surrounding community.
The center distributed more than 70,000 pounds of food in the past 12 months, according to Jess Cheney, the basic needs program and case manager at Hamline University.
During the fall semester, the center distributed 25,209 pounds of food to 635 households, serving approximately 929 individuals. In the spring, it provided 23,543 pounds of food to 448 households, reaching about 613 individuals.
“The FRC is really a hub for the campus and has gone from a student initiative to a robust partnership with the community organization Good in the Hood which provides financial and technical support and is an important part of Hamline, supported by HUSC and a part of the Wesley Center,” Cheney said.
Located in Room 110 in West Hall, the FRC provides free groceries and basic necessities, including nonperishable items, fresh produce, dairy products, meat options including halal selections and personal care items.
“The goal is to keep students coming here and not feeling ashamed of accessing our service,” said Kylie Jones, a senior and student lead at the Food Resource Center.
Jones, who began working with the center as a freshman and later completed a semester-long internship, said many students face challenges meeting basic needs that are not always discussed.
“Having the FRC on campus helps students advocate for themselves and others,” she said. “Students see food insecurity and decide it does not have to be this way, and they get involved.”
The FRC relies heavily on community partnerships and donations to keep its shelves stocked. Its primary supplier is Second Harvest Heartland, which delivers food weekly. Additional donations come from Twin Cities Food Justice, which provides rescued food items such as bread from Panera; North County Food Alliance, which supplies food from Trader Joe’s; Kitchen Coalition, which delivers prepared meals; and local gardens including the Hamline Church United Methodist garden and Frogtown Farm.
As demand continues, the center is regularly seeking donations of paper, plastic or reusable shopping bags, which can be dropped off in West Hall, Room 110.
“Anyone can come in and use our services,” Jones said. "It's a way for us to give back, and it helps students feel more connected to the university.”
Hours vary throughout the year. During summer, the FRC is open Mondays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. When classes are in session, the center is also open Friday.
For more information about the Food Resource Center or its programs, contact foodaccess@hamline.edu.