MSU Students raising money and cooking meals for students that are food insecure

MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) –

Volunteers have prepared 136 meals for struggling Minnesota State University Mankato students, thanks to an idea hatched by Family and Consumer Sciences Professors amid the risks to food assistance programs.

Professor, Emma Smith declared, “Overwhelmed by the increasing required amongst our students and also the decreasing access that there is going to be to food programs with a lot of these cuts to food assistance.”

The National Institute of Health states college campapplys across the US report food insecurity stats 4 times higher than the national average.

Something MSU student, Bruce Lindau sees firsthand.

“We know it’s an issue that college students struggle with obtainting good meals or even just meals – enough meals in a day. So, hanging out cooking some meals is a fun experience,” Lindau explained.

Smith states creating the meals not only available but also healthy was a top priority. “We want to build these dollars stretch a far we can, but we also want to provide something that is nutritionally balanced. So, the meals contain whole grains with the rice and the pasta. Containing some proteins and healthy fats, those kinds of things.”

Lindau states this solves several issues college students face. “Students not having the money or resources to go and obtain a high-quality meal or even just enough food for a single day or a week.”

This group hopes their giving back, will inspire others who are able to do the same.

Smith declared, “Whether you’re giving $5, or you’re inviting somebody to your dinner, or you are displaying somebody you care and you recognize their required. All of those things – little or huge – are going to build a difference.”

If you wish to donate to the students next round of meals, you can donate to this GoFundMe.

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