MADERA – Food insecurities are a major concern at our college campuses throughout California, with about one-third of all college students having experienced some sort of issue. The U.S. Department of Agriculture describes food insecurity as not having enough food to lead an active, healthy life. Without proper nutrition, students miss more classes and have lower grades, higher drop-out rates and more reports of physical and mental ailments, compared to their food-secure peers.
On Wednesday, the Madera Community College Center took its first steps aimed at alleviating student hunger issues on campus by opening the school's new food pantry. Here, students can drop in and either take home a bag of food for their families or just grab a snack between classes free of charge.
The school recently received a grant from the California State Legislature for $18k to create the food pantry with partnerships between the Associated Student Government, Madera County Food Bank, and the Madera Master Gardeners. At a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the school’s President and mascot looking on, the Lion’s Den Food Pantry opened its doors to around a hundred students on its first day. The pantry is available to all of the 4500 plus students on the campus regardless of need.
Right now the shelves in the pantry are full of non-perishable food items like cereal, breakfast bars, juices, and other yummy and nutritious items. The pantry is equipped with a commercial-grade refrigerator to store perishables like salads, butter, milk, and cheeses. They also offer several fresh fruit options not only donated to the school but also grown on campus.
The food options will change every week depending on what is available at the Madera County Food Bank and donations received at the school. MCFB executive director Ryan McWherter is excited about the future relationship with the Lion’s Den. The food bank is the pantry's primary source of donated food.
All MCCC students need to do to access the pantry is come in and show their valid student ID card. They will be given a Madera Center reusable bag to hold up to 10 items per week.
Currently, the pantries hours are 10 am-2 pm Monday-Thursday, but that could change in the near future. If a student has an emergency need to access the pantry, the school will open the pantry before or after hours for that student.
The pantry aims to decrease the impact that food insecurities have on the academic success of students, as well as help to alleviate hunger within the campus community. The school is hoping to add basic toiletry supplies to the pantry such as soap, toothpaste, toilet paper, etc.
Cash and food donations can be made to the school directly at the campus. Student Services Specialist Paul Torres can be reached at room R7A at the school. Checks should be made out to the State Center Community College Foundation with the MCCC Student Food Pantry listed in the memo section.
