American Express will donate the equivalent of one meal each time a student cardmember makes a purchase on his or her card between March 15 and April 30, according to company officials.

The company will work through Save Our Strength (SOS), a Washington based non-profit hunger relief organization, which matches surplus food supplies with hungry people.

The new program, which is called "Million Meals," will distribute grants through SOS to food banks and homeless shelters.

"Students have shown great interest in social issues, but it's really hard to get involved. So [American Express] has found a way," said Andy Seibert, manager of student market groups at American Express Travel Related Services Co., Inc.

Broad Range of Supporters

"By using your card, you can fight hunger," said Christine Parker, a communications intern at SOS. Parker said SOS, in joining with American Express, hopes to involve a broader range of supporters, from corporations to college students.

Student cardholders interviewed yesterday responded enthusiastically to the prospect of helping to feed the hungry by shopping with their American Express cards.

"I might wait a week so I could buy within the time period so they would donate a meal," said Maya Arison '96.

Postcards and newsletters describing student benefits and the "Million Meals" program have been enclosed in American Express student cardmembers' monthly bills.