Food pantry, plus special programs such as partnering with St. Mary’s Food Bank and Manzanita Outreach seek to reduce the stress of food insecurity
Yavapai Community College is addressing the significant issue of food insecurity among its students. One key initiative was the establishment of a Food Pantry on the Prescott Campus in 2019. This past academic year the Food Pantry served 897 students and their family members. The pantry is available to any student enrolled in at least 3 credit hours who is facing food insecurity.
In addition to its regular food offerings, the Prescott Campus Food Pantry occasionally hosts special events. For instance, on September 9, students had the chance to pick up freshly harvested vegetables on a first-come, first-served basis from the Pantry.
Tackling food insecurity is a top priority for Yavapai Community College President Dr. Lisa Rhine. During the August convocation, she emphasized, “Our college cannot be a pathway out of poverty if we are not willing to support our students while they are in poverty.”
On September 27, the college will hold another special event in partnership with St. Mary’s Food Bank and Manzanita Outreach for students and the Prescott community. Thousands of pounds of non-perishable food will be distributed on the Prescott Campus. As per the Community College’s press release, “Everyone who could use some extra food in their home is welcome to participate. Participation will be easy! All area residents need to do is drive onto Yavapai Community College’s Prescott campus via North Washington Avenue, open their trunks or backseats to volunteers loading bags and boxes of food, and drive off, exiting via Marsten Avenue onto Sheldon Street.”
The drive-through food distribution will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., or until supplies run out, so organizers encourage participants to arrive early.
Students attending the Sedona Center, Verde Valley Campus, and Chino Valley Center are advised to utilize local food shelf organizations, as these campuses do not currently have food pantry programs similar to the one on the Prescott Campus in place (as far as the Blog is aware).