What We Are About
In 2014, the winning Difference Maker team, Support Our Students (S.O.S.), received a $7,000 prize, which was used to establish the emergency meal swipe program. The program helps students experiencing financial hardship access food resources.
S.O.S. Emergency Meal Program
The S.O.S. Emergency Meal Program helps UMass Lowell students experiencing temporary food insecurity by providing access to meals through University Dining. This program is designed to reduce the stress of food insecurity so students can focus on their academic success.
Program Eligibility
Eligible students will receive five meal swipes per week. Eligibility is determined each semester and is based on demonstrated financial hardship beyond the student's control.
How to Apply
Complete the S.O.S. application using your @student.uml.edu email address. Applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and students will be notified of their status within five to seven business days.
Eligibility is determined based on, but is not limited to, the following factors:
- Financial aid and income information
- Circumstances described in the student's hardship statement
- Based on the information above, priority will be given to pregnant and / or parenting students and students who are currently unhoused or at risk of becoming unhoused.
Approval is not guaranteed.
Additional Information
The S.O.S. program is intended to provide temporary supplemental assistance. Students are encouraged to continue utilizing the Strive Pantry and local food resources available through the Community Resources webpage.
Application Process
New applications for the 2026–2027 academic year will be reviewed beginning in late August. In the meantime, students are encouraged to utilize the Strive Pantry and community food resources.
S.O.S. Emergency Meal Swipe Application
For questions, please email: uml_strive@uml.edu.