In the 2025–2026 academic year, Swipe Out Hunger awarded 106 colleges and universities a total of $335,500 in Swipe Grants to support and scale campus food security programs.
Ranging from $1,000 to $6,000, these grants empowered individual campuses to address their specific student needs. Recipients used the funding to:
Stock essential items: Purchasing fresh food and basic hygiene necessities.
Upgrade pantry infrastructure: Investing in critical storage, refrigeration, and technology.
Support student workers: Hiring dedicated pantry staff and managing student volunteers.
Expand inclusive options: Diversifying pantry offerings to meet the dietary, religious, and cultural needs of their student bodies.
“A lot of it comes down to empowering these students to make these decisions, empowering them to feel heard, to feel seen for their lived experiences, for their struggles, Receiving the Swipe Out Hunger grant was a game-changer for our on-campus pantry. We were able to add fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy items, and other student-requested foods, making our offerings much more inclusive for our international student population (which makes up about 20% of our campus). We also expanded our options during breaks when on-campus dining was limited. This was especially important for students who stayed on campus over break. this is not just a singular issue… that this is a systemic issue.”
– Campus Leader at Marshall College in West Virginia
Through these targeted funds, campuses were able to serve over 127,000 students and distribute 1.2 million meals.
This impact goes far beyond the numbers. For the students receiving support, these pantries are critical for success. A student at Utah Tech University shared their experience: “The campus food pantry literally helped me make it to graduation. There were weeks I was choosing between buying gas or eating. Knowing I could get nutritious food on campus took so much stress off me that I could actually focus on my classes and finish strong. I honestly don’t think I would have graduated without their support.”
Since 2021, Swipe Out Hunger has distributed $1,513,500 in grants to campuses across the nation. This sustained work is made possible through the commitment of our philanthropic partners, including Campus Specialties Inc. and MicroFridge, The GIANT Company, TIAA, and the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation.
“Our campus partners know exactly what their students need, whether that’s fresh produce or extended holiday hours,” said Gillian Kiernan, Director of Programs at Swipe Out Hunger. “These grants are designed to give them the agency to turn that insight into action.”
Swipe Out Hunger will continue offering Swipe Grants for the 2026–2027 academic year. To be the first to know when the upcoming application cycle opens and to stay informed on future funding opportunities, sign up for Swipe Out Hunger’s newsletter.
