The University of Minnesota and Second Harvest Heartland announce partnership to strengthen student food security

The University of Minnesota is proud to announce a new partnership between Second Harvest Heartland and the University of Minnesota Foundation that strengthens our efforts to address student and community food insecurity. The partnership allows for an expansion of the Boynton Health Nutritious U Food Pantry, increasing fresh food availability, selection and service hours while helping to streamline operational costs. 

Similar partnerships will be launched between regional food shelves and the Morris, Duluth, Crookston and Rochester campuses later this year.

“As a first generation college graduate, I know that earning an education often comes with unexpected challenges,” said University of Minnesota President Rebecca Cunningham. “Food security is an essential pillar of student success that is too often overlooked. Our students will power Minnesota’s future workforce, so ensuring they have the stability they need to learn and thrive is critical. This partnership with the University of Minnesota Foundation and Second Harvest supports students’ wellbeing so they can embody the energy for change. We’re excited to bring this type of partnership to our Morris, Duluth, Crookston and Rochester campuses.”

With inflation and continued high food prices, one in four students on the Twin Cities campus and one in five Minnesotans overall report experiencing food insecurity, mirroring nationwide trends. Fall 2025 was the busiest season for Nutritious U to date with 10,251 visits, a 62% increase over the fall 2024 semester. Most students who visited did so one or two times during the semester. 

Even when students work multiple jobs, an unexpected medical bill, car repair or rent increase can cause food insecurity. Food insecurity can lead to missed classes, reduced grade point averages, mental health challenges and can make it harder for students to complete their education. 

“The Nutritious U Food Pantry did not just provide food for me. It gave me something much more important — dignity and hope. Being able to access groceries and basic supplies without shame made me feel like I could breathe again,” one student said in a recent email to Nutritious U. “From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything you do. Please know that your work is meaningful, and it truly changes lives.”

Among the benefits made possible thanks to Second Harvest and the University of Minnesota Foundation: 

• Greater variety and more consistent availability of products, including fresh eggs and milk, more fruits and vegetables, culturally appropriate foods and an expansion of hygiene and household products in alignment with student needs. 
• Increased flexibility to respond to challenging situations, such as the delivery of emergency food boxes to students’ homes this semester. 
• WIth fundraising from the University of Minnesota Foundation, a new, larger location in Coffman Union with expanded hours and improved accessibility.  

“The long-held perception of ramen noodles being a diet mainstay for students on college campuses highlights a deeper truth — hunger and access to food is a prevalent issue many Minnesotans face when pursuing their education,” said Second Harvest Heartland CEO Sarah Moberg. “Second Harvest Heartland is proud to partner with the University of Minnesota Foundation to provide more opportunities for students to access free and nutritious food as we explore new and innovative ways to meet the needs of today’s students.”

The partnership with Second Harvest and other regional food pantries advances the University’s Elevate Extraordinary 2030 strategic roadmap by strengthening the resources that help students stay healthy, engaged and able to fully participate in academic and campus life. 

A media kit including infographics and B-roll is available upon request. Donations to the Nutritious U Food Pantry can be made here.