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*For our COVID-19 response, please see this page*

UMBC is proud to launch RETRIEVER ESSENTIALS: a faculty, staff, and student partnership to tackle food insecurity in our university community.

Many college students across the United States are classified as food insecure* and UMBC is no exception. Lacking a steady source of nutritious meals can affect students’ physical and mental health, grades, and ability to engage in campus life.

Our mission is to develop a comprehensive program of resources which eliminates the immediate burden of food insecurity for UMBC members and connects them to ongoing support networks, in order to enhance their academic retention and career success.

*The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines food insecurity as a lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life.

 

THE ESSENTIAL SPACE & FREE FOOD STORE

FOOD DISTRIBUTION ZONES

SAVE-A-SWIPE

 

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

Retriever Essentials partners with local organizations to help refer UMBC members to access holistic support on- and off-campus to address longer-term needs. Such community partnerships have given us the opportunities to address food insecurity in a more holistic manner and provide assistance for other basic needs insecurities. Towards Wholesome Eating and the Coat Closet are two projects that are supported by community members and organizations who are helping Retriever Essentials expand its service outreach.