The Stop Hunger Classroom Challenge 2026 is officially open, inviting classrooms across the United States to take action against childhood hunger. Organized by YSA in partnership with the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation, this annual challenge encourages students to design meaningful hunger-relief projects with a chance to win up to $2,500 in support.
This initiative empowers young changemakers to answer one powerful question:
“If you could give where you live, how would you help end hunger?”
About the Stop Hunger Classroom Challenge
The Classroom Challenge helps students strengthen familiar hunger-relief activities such as food drives, backpack feeding programs, and awareness campaigns. While students take the lead, teachers guide the process, and YSA provides simple planning tools to support project success.
By participating, classrooms join a national movement dedicated to improving food security and building long-lasting solutions to hunger.
Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation Youth Grants 2026
Applications for the 16th Annual Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation Youth Grants open in late November 2025. These grants support young people ages 5 to 25 who want to create community-driven projects focused on ending childhood hunger.
Applicants can receive $1,000 grants to launch projects that engage at least 100 youth volunteers. Eligible projects include awareness activities, direct service, advocacy, and community fundraising, all centered on reducing hunger in the United States.
Also Apply For: Internet Society Youth Ambassador Program 2026
Why Focus on Childhood Hunger?
Childhood hunger remains a major concern in the U.S.:
- 1 in 5 children faces hunger.
- Over 13 million young people are at risk.
- Households with children are 1.5 times more likely to be food-insecure.
- 18% of families with children experience hunger-related challenges.
The program supports youth-led ideas that create both short-term help and long-term solutions for families facing food insecurity.
What They’re Looking For in 2026
To qualify for the 2026 challenge and grants, projects must:
- Be 100% youth-led and focused on childhood hunger.
- Take place during Sodexo Servathon (April 1 – May 31, 2026).
- Include activity during Youth Service Month (April 10–May 10, 2026) and/or Global Youth Service Day (April 24–26, 2026).
- Allow all youth, especially underserved groups, to participate as volunteers.
- Be hosted in U.S. schools, colleges, nonprofits, youth organizations, or faith-based groups.
- Serve children and families within the United States.
Projects with sustainable, long-term hunger solutions and strong community involvement, including youth, families, and Sodexo employees, are highly encouraged.
Project Ideas (With Planning Tools)
Youth teams may choose to:
- Organize food drives and fundraising campaigns
- Grow produce through school gardens or community gardens
- Lead food recovery and gleaning activities
- Start or support backpack feeding programs
- Volunteer at food banks, shelters, or community kitchens
- Teach healthy eating on a budget
- Help families access SNAP, free/reduced school meals, or summer meal programs
- Lead advocacy and awareness campaigns on childhood hunger
Application Timeline
- Applications open: Late November 2025
- Eligible participants: Youth ages 5–25 living in the U.S.
- Award amount: Up to $2,500 for Classroom Challenge winners and $1,000 for youth grant projects
For more information, visit the Stop Hunger Classroom Challenge.
