The Student Basic Needs Coalition (SBNC) is proud to announce that we have been awarded a $40,000 grant from the Walmart Foundation. This funding will be instrumental in expanding our efforts to support community college students by growing our peer navigator program, which plays a critical role in addressing food insecurity on campus.
The Walmart Foundation’s commitment to community support and empowerment aligns perfectly with SBNC’s mission to ensure that every student has the resources they need to succeed academically. This grant will help us further our reach, providing vital assistance to students who are eligible for SNAP but face obstacles in accessing these benefits.
Bridging the SNAP Access Gap in Community Colleges
Community colleges serve as a crucial stepping stone for many students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. However, despite their eligibility, many of these students struggle to access the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) due to barriers such as a lack of information, complicated application processes, and the stigma associated with receiving benefits.
The gap between students who qualify for SNAP and those who actually receive it is a significant issue that directly impacts their ability to focus on their education. Addressing this disparity is essential to reducing food insecurity and helping students remain on track to complete their studies.
Enhancing the Peer Navigator Initiative
With the generous support of the Walmart Foundation, SBNC will be able to extend our peer navigator program to additional community college campuses. Peer navigators, who are students themselves, bring unique insights and empathy to their roles, having personally navigated the SNAP system. They provide crucial support to their peers, guiding them through the application process, breaking down barriers, and helping them access the food assistance they need.
This grant will also enable us to maintain the vital role of our Campus Program Manager, who oversees SNAP enrollment initiatives across multiple campuses. This position is essential for coordinating outreach efforts, training peer navigators, and fostering strong partnerships with college administrators. The expansion of our peer navigator program will not only increase SNAP participation but also create a replicable model that can be adopted by other institutions.
Empowering Students to Lead the Charge
The Walmart Foundation grant will fund stipends for a select group of student leaders who will act as peer navigators across various community colleges. These student leaders are the heart of SBNC’s strategy, using their firsthand experiences and connections within their campuses to guide others through the SNAP application process. Their efforts in raising awareness—through activities such as tabling, workshops, and digital outreach—are vital to ensuring that more students are informed about and can access the benefits available to them.
Additionally, these peer navigators will develop a toolkit based on their experiences, which will serve as a valuable resource for other schools looking to establish similar programs. This will amplify the impact of our work, enabling more students nationwide to receive the support they need.
Moving Forward with the Walmart Foundation’s Support
This $40,000 grant from the Walmart Foundation marks a significant boost to SBNC’s ongoing efforts to address the SNAP gap in community colleges. We are deeply appreciative of the Walmart Foundation’s belief in our mission and their support for our work.
As we continue to tackle food insecurity on campuses, this funding will help us drive our mission forward, ensuring that more students have access to the resources they need to thrive academically. We are excited to share the outcomes of this initiative in the coming months and years.
Together, we can create a future where every student has the support they need to succeed in their educational journey.
To learn more about the Student Basic Needs Coalition and how you can get involved, please visit our website here.
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