Rainy River Community College (RRCC) earned the distinction of becoming a Hunger Free Campus
The 2020 “Hope Center’s #RealCollege Survey” National report showed that 45% of college students in the United States were food insecure. This statistic was consistent with recent Minnesota data that showed 37% of college students had experienced food insecurity, meaning they did not have a steady source of food or could not have afforded to feed themselves or their families. RRCC staff and faculty believe that no student should go hungry while pursuing their education.
A Hunger Free Campus designation signifies a college that is actively taking strides to reduce food insecurity amongst students. In order to be awarded the Hunger Free Campus designation, RRCC needed to meet the following 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.
- Provides emergency funds to assist students who may be experiencing basic needs insecurity.
- Has a taskforce dedicated to addressing food insecurity concerns.
- Hosts or participates in at least one hunger awareness event each year.
The central component of RRCC’s Hunger Free Campus campaign is the Voyageur Food Pantry located on campus. It was started in February 2019 as a community collaboration with a local family ,Backus Community Center, Falls Hunger Coalition, Second Harvest Food Bank, Ruby’s Pantry, and RRCC. The Voyageur Pantry continues to be supported by donations from community members.
Approximately 20 students visit the pantry each day. The pantry has a variety of items including fruit, granola bars, cereal pasta, household and school supplies and more. RRCC Retention Specialist, Amy Amundsen, said, “The students at RRCC are fortunate to have community members and organizations that recognize the need for The Voyageur Food Pantry and work diligently to keep it stocked. A local International
Rainy River Community College
1501 Highway 71
International Falls, MN 56649
rainyriver.edu 218-285-7722 I 800-456-3996
Rainy River Community College is a Member of Minnesota State and an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and educator.
Falls family has been an integral part of The Pantry since its start and continue to ensure that our students have access to the food that they need.”
Falls Hunger Coalition recently opened a branch of the food shelf on the Rainy River campus to compliment the Voyageur Food Pantry. It is open the second and fourth Wednesday of each month and any student can use it. Falls Hunger Coalition participates in food distributions throughout Koochiching County. Their goal is to help everyone in need.
Cash contributions have also come in from RRCC faculty, staff and students, as well as local community members. If you would like to donate, contact Amy Amundsen at RRCC 218-285-2226, amy.amundsen@rainyriver.edu. To learn more about the Voyageur Food Pantry, visit https://bit.ly/2VcyfYE.
Rainy River Community College, located in International Falls, is a member of the Northeast Higher Education District (NHED) and the Minnesota State system. We are an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and educator.
Rainy River Community College
1501 Highway 71
International Falls, MN 56649
rainyriver.edu 218-285-7722 I 800-456-3996
Rainy River Community College is a Member of Minnesota State and an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and educator.