The Campus Cupboard is a free resource on campus that provides food and hygiene items to any Normandale student.
We desire that our students are set up for academic success and strive to limit as many obstacles as we can so each student can get the most out of their education during their time at Normandale. So, whether a student has limited access to food or a student just forgot their lunch, Normandale offers this service to all students, no questions asked.
Students can come as often as they want and get non-perishable food (food that does not need to be refrigerated), fresh and frozen food, meals on the go and hygiene items.
Over a quarter of Normandale students reported being “food insecure” meaning they lack access to, or a consistent limited availability of adequate food. Hunger disrupts the learning environment and the Campus Cupboard’s goal is to eliminate that burden for students by being a Hunger-Free Campus.
We accept donations of non-perishable food and personal hygiene items, including diapers and baby wipes. Items must be not expired or past the best by date. Currently, our most needed donations are:
Normandale employees and students can drop off donations in A 1565. If you have a large donation you may contact us by email or call at 952-358-8119 to arrange an assisted drop off time.
We have an Amazon List if you would like to purchase suggested items on Amazon. You may also donate online to the Campus Cupboard credit card; select "Other" and put the Campus Cupboard in the Notes. All donations qualify for a tax deduction to the fullest extent allowed by law. Save all receipts of any purchases and send to Paige Wheeler.
Normandale employees have the option to setup an ongoing donation via payroll deduction; contact Tipheret Peña if you're interested.
Currently, due to COVID we are generally not offering in-person volunteer opportunities. However, groups and individuals are welcome to donate non-perishable food, hygiene items and school supplies.
The Campus Cupboard is made possible through the generosity of others. We currently partner with the following organizations:
Please review the additional food and basic needs resources below. If you need additional assistance please email Paige Wheeler or call 952-358-9074.
The Student Resource Center has basic needs resources for food, housing, transportation, healthcare and other support options.
Visit the Student Resource Center
Normandale Community College and Minnesota State have partnered with United Way 211 to establish a statewide basic needs resource hub. The basic needs resource hub provides Normandale students access to basic needs resources and support available on campus and in the community via phone, text or chat 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.
United Way 211 provides free and confidential health and human services information. If you’re looking for information about services available in your community for you or a loved one, they can help.
Hunger Solutions Minnesota helps locate and lists food resources near you.
If you need additional help call the Hunger Solutions MN Food Helpline at 888-711-1151. They are available from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also referred to as food stamps or EBT, is a federal food assistance program which provides monthly benefits to help individuals and families pay for groceries. Recent changes due to the pandemic, have made more college students eligible for SNAP.
Normandale in partnership with nonprofit Second Harvest Heartland, helps students determine if they qualify for SNAP and how to apply.
Students can also visit MN Benefits to apply for SNAP and additional State of MN benefits.
Please see Normandale Cares Emergency Grant if you are in need of emergency financial assistance.
A 1560 (1st floor Activities)
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