Lift Up Vikes! resumes services and opens emergency grants – The Cauldron

By Jenna Thomas

For students who are food insecure or are struggling financially, Lift Up Vikes! (LUV) is an on-campus resource that offers free food pantry access and has also reopened their Coronavirus emergency grants for the third and final time. The Cleveland State University program partners with the Greater Cleveland Food Bank to provide healthy and shelf-stable foods to those in need. 

Food pantry services have adjusted to comply with Covid-19 related safety standards, asking that students register in advance and pick up food boxes during allotted times. Registration is open from 10:00 am Monday through Friday at 2:00 pm one week in advance to distribution. These no-contact and distanced distributions are a safe way for students to receive the food they need. There are no particular income requirements needed to use the food pantry, so any student in need can register. 

Additionally, the university received government funds through the CARES Act to support students who are experiencing financial hardship. The initial amount of grant funds ranged from $200-$2,500. This time grants will range from $200-$600. The grant money does not need to be repaid, and the application only asks for a written statement explaining your financial needs. The funding can cover food, housing, transportation, course material, technology, health care, child care, and other costs. 

President Harlan Sands announced the use of CARES Act funding in LUV emergency grants. In a press release, Sands committed to getting that aid to students. 

“Getting funds to our students quickly and efficiently is our highest priority, and helping students reduce financial obstacles is critical if we are to keep students on a pathway to graduate.”
To access registration information for food distribution, visit the LUV website. The emergency grant application can be found on CampusNet under the “Account” tab.