Retriever Essentials has received a $18,360 Hunger-Free Campus Grant to support its student staff and programming. Hunger-Free Campus is a state grant program run by the Maryland Higher Education Commission that provides funding to Maryland public institutions of higher education and regional higher education centers to support efforts addressing food insecurity among students on Maryland campuses.

The purpose of the Hunger-Free Campus Grant Program is to: 

 • Address student hunger. 

 • Leverage more sustainable solutions to address basic food needs on campus. 

 • Raise awareness of services currently offered on campus that address basic food needs. 

 • Build strategic partnerships at the local, state, and national levels to address food insecurity among students.

Retriever Essentials will use the funding to cover our student stipends, including support for Michael Fakus, who co-leads the Student Leadership Board. The board works on innovative projects that fill gaps in our program, such as food literacy and cooking skills, which is addressed through the annual cooking competition that Retriever Essentials will be running again this spring in collaboration with the UMBC Alumni Association and Dining Services. The grant funds will also cover stipends for students who lead Retriever Essentials gardening initiative and who oversee the 15 Community Service and Learning Practicum (PRAC 096) students who pack up extra meals after lunch at True Grits three times per week.

Assistant Director of Retriever Essentials Ariel Barbosa, MPS '24, community leadership, shared, “We are excited about how the Hunger-Free Campus Grant expands our capacity to ensure our student leaders are compensated for their incredible work! A huge thank you to the state for providing the funding and to UMBC’s Office of Sponsored Programs for their support in the application process.” 

Please note: Retriever Essentials needs your help in providing winter clothes for students! Donations can be brought to the Essential Space’s new location in The Commons (in the former PNC offices next to the Bookstore.) UMBC and The Wisdom Institute are also hosting a winter coat drive on Tuesday, October 15, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Administration Circle (next to the Administration Building and the Retriever Activities Center).  

Do you have an idea that solves a problem in society or the environment? Is there a product or service idea you have that is better than the current solution? Do you love to find innovative solutions for all types of problems?

The Idea and Innovation Challenge is your chance to explore your solution to a problem and win cash prizes up to $800!. Students can enter ideas in the Technology & Innovation track, the Social Impact track, or the Spark track.

Don’t have your own idea? The Spark Track will provide the problem – you provide the solution. This year’s problem is climate change.  Address one of the following with your solution:

• Reducing energy consumption and boosting renewable energy

• Promoting sustainable transportation

• Recycling and waste reduction

• Conserving water resources

• Supporting local, sustainable agriculture

• Protecting and maintaining green spaces

The 2024 Idea and Innovation Challenge forms are NOW AVAILABLE! See the website for more details. The submission deadline is October 10 at 1pm!

This event is sponsored by a generous donation from Scott Weber '85 and Nancy Burger.