Stop Hunger Classroom Challenge 2026 Empowers Students to Fight Food Insecurity

Applications are now open for the Stop Hunger Classroom Challenge 2026. The national initiative invites K-12 classrooms across the United States to reimagine and strengthen their existing hunger relief projects. The deadline for educators to sign up is February 6, 2026.

This program, supported by YSA and the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation, focuses on student leadership. It asks young people a powerful question: If you could give where you live, how would you help end hunger?

Boosting Existing Efforts for Greater Local Impact

The challenge encourages classrooms to improve familiar efforts like food drives and backpack programs. The goal is to make these projects smarter and more effective. Students take the lead in planning and execution, guided by their teachers.

According to Reuters, child food insecurity remains a persistent issue in many communities. This program aims to address that by leveraging the creativity of students. It provides a framework for turning simple collections into more impactful, student-led solutions.

National Recognition and Financial Grants for Schools

Participating classrooms have the chance to earn national recognition and financial support. A total of 29 classrooms will be selected as award winners. Twenty-four semi-finalist classrooms will receive grants of $250 or $500 to support their projects.

Five finalist classrooms will compete for larger grants. These grants range from $750 to $2,500. The finalists will present their projects directly to the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation team.

The Stop Hunger Classroom Challenge provides a critical platform for student innovation. It equips the next generation with the tools to tackle a pressing social issue directly in their communities. This initiative demonstrates a powerful commitment to creating lasting change.

Thought you’d like to know

Who is eligible for the Stop Hunger Classroom Challenge?

The challenge is open to K-12 classrooms in the United States. Educators sign up on behalf of their student groups to participate in the project.

What is the application process for the challenge?

Teachers first sign up by the February 6, 2026 deadline. After registering, they lead a classroom conversation and guide students in implementing a project, culminating in a short video submission by March 6, 2026.

What kind of support do participating teachers receive?

YSA provides a Teacher Resource Guide and a project toolkit upon registration. These resources are designed to help facilitate student discussions and action planning effectively.

What are the financial benefits for winning classrooms?

Twenty-four semi-finalists receive $250 or $500. Five finalists compete for larger grants of $750, $1,000, $1,500, $2,000, or $2,500 to further their hunger-fighting initiatives.

What types of projects does the challenge focus on?

The program encourages enhancing projects schools may already do, such as food drives or backpack programs. The emphasis is on making these efforts more student-led and impactful.