2 in 5 college students cannot afford balanced meals.

Student LunchBox, a 501(c)3 organization, combats college hunger in Los Angeles County, serving over 8,000 students monthly with food, toiletries, clothing, and other essential resources. By meeting their basic needs, we help students stay focused, stay enrolled, and thrive.

FOOD

EVENTS

DISTRIBUTION

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2 in 5

College students cannot afford balanced meals.

Factors

Poverty

Many students come from low-income families, struggling to cover basic needs

High Cost of Living

Soaring living expenses in college towns put overwhelming pressure on student budget

Inflation

Rising prices outpace student income, leaving fewer resources to cover essentials

Low Wages

Part-time and work-study jobs often fail to provide enough to meet core living needs

Lack of Affordable Housing

High rent forces students into impossible choices between housing and other necessities

Increased Tuition

Rising tuition leaves less money for essentials, especially food and daily needs

Program Outcomes

Academic Focus

Strengthens concentration and performance, supporting academic progress

Physical Health

Improves energy levels, strengthens immune health, and supports student well-being

Reduced Stigma

Creates a welcoming environment where students confidently access support

Mental Health

Reduces stress and anxiety, supporting emotional well-being and overall stability

Financial Stability

Reduces financial pressure, allowing students to prioritize tuition, housing, and essentials

Student Journey

Supports students throughout their academic path through graduation

Our Mission and Our Promise

Student LunchBox is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization established in 2020 to promote college excellence through comprehensive basic needs support. Using innovative resource recovery initiatives, SLB addresses food insecurity and hunger by providing nutritious meals and essential supplies to economically disadvantaged college students across Los Angeles County, enabling them to focus on their education and reach their full academic potential.

What makes Student LunchBox Unique

SLB’s mission is rooted in the belief that students should not choose between education and basic needs.

Unlike other support systems, we are a college community-led, impact-focused, and sustainability-driven organization, reaching thousands of students through strategic campus partnerships to address the pivotal challenges of financial and food insecurity.

Our comprehensive approach to basic needs support

A Proven Process

Food Sourcing

Recover food from local businesses, food banks & community organizations

Distribution Methods

Replenish partner college pantries and establish satellite pantries

Student-Centered Care

Deliver reliable, ongoing support designed around students’ evolving needs

Leadership Opportunities

Invite students to lead, build, and support campus communities

Mobile Markets

Host weekly farmer's market-style distributions on college campuses

Student LunchBox has developed a robust and effective process to combat food insecurity on college campuses. Our program is designed to maximize impact while maintaining minimal operating costs.

Essential Closet

Offering clothing, toiletries, and other essential goods to students

Our Impact

Student LunchBox supports college students across Los Angeles County by providing consistent access to nutritious food and essential goods. Through weekly distributions, mobile markets, and campus-based support, students receive the stability they need to stay focused on their education. By reducing everyday barriers to access, SLB helps students maintain academic momentum, build confidence, and progress toward graduation with dignity and support.

17 college communities reached through LA County

120,000+

annual student visits across our campus network

Student LunchBox exists to walk alongside students throughout their college journey. By embedding support directly into campus life, SLB removes barriers before they become setbacks and ensures students can focus on learning, growth, and persistence. Our model prioritizes consistency, dignity, and choice, meeting students where they are and supporting them through every stage of their academic path, from enrollment to graduation.

Our Impact

How to Help

Your support contributes directly to providing essential resources, including food, essential toiletries & hygiene kits, clothing, and bedding that enable students to focus on their studies without worrying about basic needs.