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AAMU Launches Campaign to End Student Hunger

Student Hunger Group
February 20, 2020

AAMU Basic Needs Coalition Acts

Alabama A&M University President Andrew Hugine, Jr., has signed the Presidents’ Commitment to Food and Nutrition Security. By signing this agreement Hugine and AAMU join the Presidents United to Solve Hunger consortium of more than 115 universities dedicated to ending hunger on college campuses around the world.

“AAMU is committed to serving the needs of its students and that includes food insecurity,” said Hugine. “We are proud to be a part of this global initiative, and we look forward to the work the Basic Needs Coalition will do so that we can address the needs of the whole student.”

The campus initiative to reduce student hunger is led by AAMU’s Basic Needs Coalition (AAMU BNC), which was established in 2019 to not only address food insecurity, but housing, mental and physical health needs among AAMU students. By addressing these needs, students will be able to thrive academically, mentally, physically and socially.

According to the National #RealCollege Survey among 86,000 college students:

  • 45% of respondents were food insecure in the prior 30 days
  • 56% of respondents were housing insecure in the previous year
  • 17% of respondents were homeless

#GIVEFIVE Campaign

A foundation account has been established to support the BNC’s efforts. The first donation of $500 was made by 1890 Extension administrator Allen Malone on behalf of Alabama Cooperative Extension at AAMU.

“I am excited about the opportunity for the Urban Extension program to engage with the broader university community and to meet the urgent needs of our students,” commented Malone. “This initiative will lead to greater partnerships and a synergy that will enhance the lives of citizens in North Alabama.”

While Alabama Extension’s donation provides seed funding, additional funds are needed. To support this initiative, the AAMU Family (faculty and staff) and the general public are being asked to donate $5 or more to the #GIVEFIVE Campaign. The funds will go to establish and maintain a campus food pantry and to meet other immediate needs of AAMU students.

“The #GIVEFIVE donation campaign provides initial funding to support and implement strategies that address the basic needs of the students. These needs include hunger, financial hardships, emergency services, clothing needs, as well as medical and mental health care,” said Andrea Morris, BNC chair and Extension health and nutrition specialist.

Donations can be made as follows:

  • Online: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/aau/. Select AAMU Basic Needs Coalition from the drop down list. Complete all required information and submit
  • CashApp ($aamudonates). On the line “For” please enter: AAMU BNC Acct 364
  • Send a check to: AAMU Foundation. In the memo section please note: AAMU BNC

Visit https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/news/alabama-extension-addresses-student-needs/ for more information regarding this project or contact Andrea Morris at (256) 372-8082.

Caption:  (l-r) Carlquista Slay, Karla Miller, Erica James, Dr. Gary Crosby, Felecia Wilson, President Andrew Hugine, Jr., Dr. Allen Malone, Dr. Andrea Morris, Diann Greer, Kim Davis, Kenyatta Walker, Samira Hopkinson, Japhe Jelks. Other members of the AAMU BNC not pictured are Sarah Bensinger, Dr. Kyle Pitcher and Chief Nadis Carlisle.