Food

The Pantry at Southeast

If you're struggling with having enough food to eat, stop by one of our free food pantries on both campuses. The Pantries are self-serve, no questions asked and are open when the campuses are open. They are stocked with a variety of household staples including cereal, pasta, meat, canned food, dairy products, bakery items, fresh produce and more! Pick up items when money is tight, donate items when the time is right.

• Winona: Located in the Student Commons
• Red Wing: Located in Room 313 

In addition to The Pantry, we encourage you to seek out other assistance to help provide you and your family with nutritious food options. 

SNAP - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

SNAP Benefits: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal program that helps families and individuals make sure they get the food they need. SNAP can be used like cash to buy fruits, vegetables, cereal, bread, meat, fish, dairy products and more at grocery stores, farmers markets, and online retailers. 

This program is open to all qualified individual based on income status, including college students! In 2023, the average monthly benefit amount per person in Minnesota was $222. 

Check your eligibility status for SNAP

SNAP Eligibility

Do you need some help with the SNAP application?

• Dodge, Filmore, Freeborn, Houston, Mower, Steele and Winona Counties: Contact Semcac at 507-452-8396
• Goodhue, Olmsted, Rice, and Wabasha Counties: Contact Three Rivers Community Action

SNAP Plus Program: The SNAP Plus Program provides additional financial assistance for students in approved career/technical programs to help relieve financial stress and barriers associated with going to school including books, testing fees, required safety equipment/uniforms, transportation costs, and more. Participants must qualify for SNAP food assistance benefits.

Additional Resources

• Winona Volunteer Services Food Shelf: Local food shelf for Winona and surrounding communities. Hours vary each day.
  402 E. 2nd St., Winona, MN 55987
  507-452-5591
• Red Wing Area Food Shelf: Local food shelf for Red Wing and surrounding communities. Hours vary each day.
  1755 Old West Main St., Red Wing, MN 55066
  651-388-9302
• Ruby's Pantry: A pop-up pantry at various locations across Minnesota and Wisconsin. Guests should bring a $25 cash donation to the site of the day of the distribution to receive a bundle of groceries. There is no income or residency requirement. Check their website for locations and dates/times. 
• Fare for All: A pop-up grocery store including fresh produce and frozen meet at up to 40% off of retail prices. Guests purchased packages for $10-30. Check the website for dates/times and locations around Red Wing and the Twin Cities area. 
• Channel One Regional Food Shelf: Food shelf located in Rochester that services Southeast Minnesota. Monday-Thursday 8am-6pm, Friday 8am-12pm.
  131 35th St. SE, Rochester, MN 55904
  507-284-2350
• Winona Community HUB: The Winona Community HUB provides health education and connection to community resources, addressing health risks and creating a path to wellbeing. Free for Winona County residents experiencing food insecurity, mental health concerns, housing insecurity, or 5+ emergency department visits in the past 12 months. 
• Minnesota Food Helpline: Call for assistance with finding food resources in local communities. Learn more online or call/text 1-888-711-1151 Monday-Friday 10am-5pm.   
• Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program: A nutrition and breastfeeding program that helps eligible women, infants, and children with nutrition education, and counseling, nutritious foods, and referrals to health and other social services. 
• United Way 211: A statewide basic needs resource hub that provides students from Minnesota access to basic needs resources and support available on campus and in the community via phone, text, or chat 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Text MNHELP to 898-211 (TXT211) or call 211 (toll free at 1-800-543-7709).