Contact:
Bob Spieldenner
bobspiedenner@schev.edu
(804) 718-9443 (cell)
RICHMOND — The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) awarded a total of $500,000 to address student food insecurity at 48 public and private institutions of higher education in the Commonwealth.
The grants allow institutions to establish on-campus food pantries or partner with local food banks to provide food at no charge to students. In addition, grant funds can be used to increase partnerships and build more sustainable solutions for campus hunger. Funding amounts are based on the percentage of in-state Federal Pell Grant eligible students enrolled at the institution.
“More than 40% of college students experience food insecurity at some point, which can lead to several adverse outcomes, including dropping out of school. Virginia’s investment in campus food pantries will help keep our students on track to reach their educational goals,” said Scott Fleming, SCHEV’s executive director.
The grants are funded by the Hunger-Free Campus Food Pantry Grant Program enacted by the General Assembly in 2025. SCHEV published a report on campus food insecurity in November 2024 that made several recommendations and offered resources for institutions.
Recipients and grant amounts are listed below:
|
Eastern Shore Community College
|
$14,882
|
|
Rappahannock Community College
|
$14,882
|
|
Virginia Highlands Community College
|
$14,882
|
|
Mary Baldwin University
|
$14,882
|
|
Patrick & Henry Community College
|
$14,882
|
|
Mountain Empire Community College
|
$14,882
|
|
Radford University
|
$14,882
|
|
Virginia Union University
|
$14,882
|
|
J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College
|
$14,881
|
|
Central Virginia Community College
|
$14,881
|
|
Danville Community College
|
$14,881
|
|
Wytheville Community College
|
$14,881
|
|
Southwest Virginia Community College
|
$11,905
|
|
Ferrum College
|
$11,905
|
|
Southside Virginia Community College
|
$11,905
|
|
Old Dominion University
|
$11,905
|
|
Randolph College
|
$11,905
|
|
Hollins University
|
$11,905
|
|
Blue Ridge Community College (BRCC)
|
$11,905
|
|
Virginia Western Community College
|
$11,905
|
|
Eastern Mennonite University
|
$11,905
|
|
Virginia Commonwealth University
|
$11,905
|
|
Longwood University
|
$11,905
|
|
University of Virginia’s College at Wise
|
$11,905
|
|
Bridgewater College
|
$8,928
|
|
Mountain Gateway Community College
|
$8,928
|
|
Tidewater Community College
|
$8,928
|
|
Virginia Peninsula Community College
|
$8,928
|
|
Brightpoint Community College
|
$8,928
|
|
Paul D. Camp Community College
|
$8,928
|
|
Germanna Community College
|
$8,928
|
|
Roanoke College
|
$8,928
|
|
University of Mary Washington
|
$8,928
|
|
Piedmont Virginia Community College
|
$8,928
|
|
George Mason University
|
$8,928
|
|
New River Community College
|
$8,928
|
|
Northern Virginia Community College
|
$5,952
|
|
Randolph-Macon College
|
$5,952
|
|
Laurel Ridge Community College
|
$5,952
|
|
University of Lynchburg
|
$5,952
|
|
Shenandoah University
|
$5,952
|
|
Averett University
|
$5,952
|
|
Regent University
|
$5,952
|
|
Marymount University
|
$5,952
|
|
James Madison University
|
$5,952
|
|
Liberty University
|
$5,952
|
|
William & Mary
|
$5,952
|
|
Hampton University
|
$5,952
|
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The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia is the Commonwealth’s coordinating body for higher education. SCHEV develops statewide policy, conducts research and data reporting, administers financial aid and provides strategic guidance to enhance access, affordability, quality and accountability across Virginia’s post-secondary institutions. With Developing Tomorrow’s Talent: The Virginia Plan for Higher Education, SCHEV is dedicated to making Virginia the leading state for talent.
