In recognition of its ongoing efforts to reduce student food insecurity, Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC) will be presented with the Hunger Free Campus Award by LeadMN on Wednesday, November 17 at 1pm in the RCTC Hive on the third floor of College Center. LeadMN is the statewide association that represents the 180,000 two-year college students in Minnesota to help them transform their lives and their communities.
Rochester Community and Technical College was initially recognized by LeadMN as a Hunger Free Campus in May of 2020. A Hunger Free Campus is a Minnesota State community and/or technical college that is actively taking strides to reduce food insecurity amongst students.
In order to be awarded the Hunger Free Campus designation, a campus must meet the following minimum criteria:
- Has a food pantry, partnership with a food bank, or some type of food distribution system on campus available to students.
- Has a designated staff person on campus to educate students on SNAP and other public services aimed to reduce food insecurity. The institution shall notify students in work-study employment of their potential eligibility for SNAP benefits and provide information to those students that include eligibility criteria and how to apply for benefits.
- Provides emergency funds to assist students who may be experiencing basic needs insecurity.
- Has a task force dedicated to addressing food insecurity concerns.
- Hosts or participates in at least one hunger awareness event each year.
Join RCTC President Dr. Jeffery Boyd, Student Senate President Joseph Laudon, Director of Student Rights and Responsibilities Rebecca Peine, and RCTC’s campus community in celebrating this achievement and learn more about the work on campus to address student hunger and food insecurity.