HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – The student pantry at Hopkinsville Community College has received a large delivery to feed students in need through the winter break.
“We are stocking up in preparation for the winter holiday break when the college campuses will be closed, and want to provide as much aid to our students as possible before they complete their exams,” said Yvette Eastham, the HCC Foundation executive director.
The Pathfinder Food pantry is a free resource for students that began in November 2019. The goal of the pantry is to allow students to focus on their studies without the stress of providing food for themselves and their families. Eastham said community college students are at much higher risk of having food insecurities and experiencing homelessness.
Every month, the pantry is stocked with around 2,000 pounds of food. The foundation uses gifts donated to them to buy items from Feeding America, Kentucky’s Heartland at a greatly reduced price and at times no cost. The partnership with Feeding America, Kentucky’s Heartland has also provided them with a commercial freezer, and funded part time student workers to run day to day operations. They are also partnered with Kroger, Food Lion and Swipe Out Hunger.
In preparation for the upcoming winter break, an exceptionally large order from Feeding America came earlier this week. They were even able to obtain some items they don’t always stock.
“We were able to obtain roasting chickens, a variety of canned vegetables, bakery items, frozen foods, bottled water and even some candy,” said Eastham. “We work to provide the basic major protein items first, as recommended best practice for food pantries, and add fun items like candy, cookies, soda etc. as they are available, so that families can enjoy more than just the basics.”
The Pathfinder Pantry is located in Room 212 in the Technology Building on the Hopkinsville Community College campus. Students at the Fort Campbell campus also have access by stopping by the office there. The pantry is always accepting donations from individuals and groups as well, they are in constant need of hygiene items like deodorant, feminine products, razors, diapers, and lotion.
For more, go to the Hopkinsville Community College website.