On November 1, 2025, federal funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was halted due to the government shutdown. In order to help the Roosevelt community members who need access to meals during this time, the school began a new campaign called ‘Smile- Dinner is on us!’
Over 440,000 Minnesotans rely on having access to SNAP benefits. According to Minnesota’s largest food bank, Second Harvest Heartland, SNAP can provide nine times the amount of food as a food bank can. Receiving these benefits is crucial to many families’ health and being without them causes hunger, financial strain, and can lead to health issues.
Recognizing that these cuts directly impact families at Roosevelt, the school has decided to provide an opportunity for the community to support one another during this time. They are asking anyone who is able to donate a bag of meal kit ingredients. Each meal kit includes non-perishable ingredients and a printed recipe on how to prepare the meal.
There are eight different meal options available including pastas, rice bowls, tortilla bakes, and more. The cost of ingredients range from $4-$10 per meal. In order to donate, families may choose which of the meal kits they would like to purchase and then drop off the ingredients at the main door of Roosevelt during school hours.
To receive a meal, families need to fill out a meal request form which asks them the number of people in their household and which meal they would like to receive. Families, students, and staff are able to request one meal per week that they can pick up on Friday during lunch (11:46 AM- 12:46 PM) or after school until 4:30 at door 16.
The ‘Smile- Dinner is on us!’ campaign is a reminder that even in challenging times, the Roosevelt community continues to care for one another. By donating or requesting a meal, everyone can play a part in ensuring that no one in our school goes hungry.
