Spring Break
Winter term funds for Mealbux run dry
ASOSU encourages students to come in and discover other financial assistance options
Dominique Smith
Issue date: 1/17/08 Section: News
Mealbux, the food assistance program which recently replaced the Escape Hunger program, is no longer able to accept applications for the remainder of winter term due to a depletion of funds.
Funding will not impact those students whose applications have already been approved, as that money has already been allotted. The program will open up to applicants again next term.
Though Mealbux is new, it has become increasingly popular through publicity and especially word of mouth.
Currently a few hundred OSU students are benefiting from the Mealbux program, and ASOSU is pushing for increased funding, which comes from student fees.
ASOSU's welcoming atmosphere and the assurance that the process of applying for such help is confidential and follows OSU's privacy policy has made Mealbux a successful program.
"It's great that the program has become so popular, but it is also unfortunate because we are not able to help everyone," said ASOSU president Greg Purdy, who describes the program's impact as "phenomenal."
Mealbux will be open to applicants again as soon as spring term begins.
"[Students are chosen] based on the most need-based applications and first-come, first-serve," said Nadine Honda, ASOSU vice president.
"We are not able to avoid [running out of funding] completely because the amount of students in need is so large and will most likely only get larger. We hope that students will keep applying."
Although winter term's
funding has been used up, students do have other options.
OSU students may apply for an emergency loan - up to $250 to help pay for books, rent or any other expenses. The money borrowed is charged to the student's account and must be paid back at the end of the term. To qualify, students must be enrolled at OSU at least half-time and be in good financial standing.
Food stamps, grants, scholarships and financial aid are just some of the other options available for students in need of extra cash.
Students are encouraged to visit the ASOSU office, located in Snell Hall, for more information.
Dominique Smith, news writer
news@dailybarometer.com, 737-2231
Funding will not impact those students whose applications have already been approved, as that money has already been allotted. The program will open up to applicants again next term.
Though Mealbux is new, it has become increasingly popular through publicity and especially word of mouth.
Currently a few hundred OSU students are benefiting from the Mealbux program, and ASOSU is pushing for increased funding, which comes from student fees.
ASOSU's welcoming atmosphere and the assurance that the process of applying for such help is confidential and follows OSU's privacy policy has made Mealbux a successful program.
"It's great that the program has become so popular, but it is also unfortunate because we are not able to help everyone," said ASOSU president Greg Purdy, who describes the program's impact as "phenomenal."
Mealbux will be open to applicants again as soon as spring term begins.
"[Students are chosen] based on the most need-based applications and first-come, first-serve," said Nadine Honda, ASOSU vice president.
"We are not able to avoid [running out of funding] completely because the amount of students in need is so large and will most likely only get larger. We hope that students will keep applying."
Although winter term's
funding has been used up, students do have other options.
OSU students may apply for an emergency loan - up to $250 to help pay for books, rent or any other expenses. The money borrowed is charged to the student's account and must be paid back at the end of the term. To qualify, students must be enrolled at OSU at least half-time and be in good financial standing.
Food stamps, grants, scholarships and financial aid are just some of the other options available for students in need of extra cash.
Students are encouraged to visit the ASOSU office, located in Snell Hall, for more information.
Dominique Smith, news writer
news@dailybarometer.com, 737-2231
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