David Zheng

This Saturday, some Yale students will skip a meal — for a cause.

The Yale Hunger and Homelessness Action Project, or YHHAP, is hosting its biannual YHHAP Fast on April 12. Students are encouraged to donate a dining hall meal swipe or make a direct contribution to support New Haven-based organizations fighting food and housing insecurity.

“The Fast allows us to financially assist New Haven organizations doing the critical hands-on work,” said Isabella Barboza-Rodriguez ’26, one of YHHAP’s co-chairs. “It also gives students not involved in YHHAP the chance to consider the issues many New Haven residents face, considering that 22 percent of New Haveners experience food insecurity yearly.”

Established as a recurring campus-wide event, the Fast has become Yale’s largest student-run fundraiser, collecting over $18,000 last semester alone. 

The majority of funds come from donated meal swipes, with additional contributions through Venmo and YHHAP’s website. This semester, the funds will be distributed among three local partners: Haven’s Harvest, Continuum of Care and the New Haven Inner City Enrichment Center.

“Donating meal swipes makes giving much more accessible and appealing to students,” explained Hari Manchi ’27, a YHHAP Fast member. “Every dollar makes a significant impact in many people’s lives.”

Students not on the traditional meal plan can still participate in the Fast. For example, by donating directly through Venmo (@Yhhap-Yale) or the YHHAP website, or by helping spread the word through group chats, clubs, or social media.

This semester, YHHAP is also collaborating with student groups like Whales of Yale, Yale Visual Artists and the Yale College Council. Sherkaan, Ay Arepa and Rubamba are also offering 15 percent discounts to students on the day of the Fast, and Willoughby’s is donating coffee to support YHHAP’s tabling efforts.

Beyond fundraising, YHHAP hopes the event sparks a shift in how students view their relationship with New Haven. 

“Being at Yale sometimes compels us to stay in the ‘Yale bubble,’” Barboza-Rodriguez noted. “It’s important for us to take a step back and try to help the community that we call home for these four years.”

Looking ahead, Jung hopes the Fast will grow to allow students to donate more than one swipe and possibly even contribute swipes they would forgo during religious fasts. 

“We’d also love for there to be increased interaction between the Yale community and the partner organizations—like group volunteering,” she added.

The fast will take place this Friday.

Correction, April 11: The article has been updated to reflect that Fast will happen on Saturday, not Friday.