UMC Campus Connections: Supporting College Students in Huntsville | Food Drive & Ministry Updates
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama – A new collaborative ministry is taking root in Huntsville, Alabama, bringing together local United Methodist churches to address food insecurity and foster a sense of community among college students at Alabama A&M University and the University of Alabama in Huntsville. UMC Campus Connections, launched in October 2025, recently concluded a successful dorm food drive, delivering 319 bags of snacks and meals to students preparing for final exams in December.
The initiative was spearheaded by Cheyenne and Haley Stone, members of Holmes Street United Methodist Church, who identified a need for greater connection between the city’s faith communities and its burgeoning student population. “Back in October, my sister Haley and I kick-started a group that we’ve called UMC Campus Connections (UMCCC) here in the Huntsville area,” explained Cheyenne Stone. “What started as throwing around some ideas over lunch with Rev. Rachel McKelvey Boggs (Associate Pastor) at Huntsville First UMC back in October has turned into a connectional and collaborative campus-ministry effort in the area that we are continuing to work towards building and growing.”
The impetus for UMC Campus Connections stemmed from a recognition that students often face increased financial strain – and therefore food insecurity – during the demanding period of final examinations. The November food drive, according to organizers, directly addressed this challenge, providing essential support to students navigating academic pressures.
The collaborative effort saw significant contributions from several congregations. Holmes Street United Methodist Church led the way, donating 168 food bags through a combination of direct donations and cash gifts. Huntsville First United Methodist Church provided 76 bags and also hosted a volunteer packing event, demonstrating a commitment to hands-on involvement. Lakewood United Methodist Church contributed 75 bags, while Ford’s Chapel United Methodist Church played a crucial role in the planning and coordination of the project.
Volunteers delivered the collected supplies to Alabama A&M University on and to the University of Alabama in Huntsville on , ensuring students had access to nourishment as they prepared for their exams. The timing of the deliveries was deliberate, aiming to alleviate stress and support student well-being during a particularly challenging time.
UMC Campus Connections has already secured a matching grant from the North Alabama Conference Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry, providing a financial foundation for future growth. Looking ahead to , the ministry aims to solidify existing partnerships and forge new relationships with both colleges and local United Methodist churches. The long-term vision includes establishing a consistent on-campus presence by the fall semester.
The ministry’s stated goals extend beyond simply providing food. UMC Campus Connections seeks to cultivate a student-based United Methodist community, respond to individual student needs, and connect young adults with local congregations. This holistic approach reflects a desire to offer not only material support but also spiritual guidance and a sense of belonging.
“Feeding college students who face food insecurity” is a primary objective, according to organizers. Equally important is “providing a student-based United Methodist community,” recognizing the potential for faith-based support networks to enhance the college experience. The ministry also aims to be responsive to “individual student needs” and to facilitate “connecting young adults with local United Methodist congregations,” fostering long-term engagement with the church.
The organization is actively seeking to expand its network of support, inviting other individuals and congregations in the Huntsville area to participate. Pastors and lay members are encouraged to join a leadership committee and contribute resources to support the ministry’s efforts. Those interested in learning more or exploring partnership opportunities are invited to contact the ministry via email at [email protected].
The emergence of UMC Campus Connections reflects a broader trend of faith-based organizations increasingly engaging with the challenges faced by college students, including food insecurity, mental health concerns, and a sense of isolation. By fostering collaboration between churches and campuses, the ministry hopes to create a supportive environment where students can thrive both academically and spiritually.