As printed in the Q4 2023 ACCS Alabama Minute Newsletter.

The Alabama Community College System has joined forces with local food banks to ensure that students can devote their resources to school instead of worrying about their next meal.

Colleges like Chattahoochee Valley and Jefferson State have set up food pantries, stocking shelves with non-perishable food and boxing them to give away to students throughout the year.

Although some people believe that college students are taking care of themselves, factors such as being a first-generation student, juggling school with work, and providing for their families mean that some students struggle with food insecurity.

“When students go hungry, they lose their ability to focus in class,” said Chattahoochee Valley Community College Associate Dean Vickie Williams. “The impact of food insecurity on health and academic performance is long-lasting.”

According to Feeding America – a network of nationwide food banks – the most common approach to addressing college hunger is direct food distribution. Jefferson State psychology student Jaden Ledbetter has spotted a surge in foot traffic since the college opened its food pantry, which is housed inside the Student Success Center at the main campus.

“I give time because I love the thought of giving back, especially if it’s someone that’s in a bad situation,” said Ledbetter.

Research shows that food assistance helps improve graduation rates, and the Heart of Alabama Food Bank CEO agrees. Michael Coleman said his team serves over half of Alabama’s counties, and much of his coverage area includes rural communities.

Coleman said rural, lower income residents are trying to improve their lives, but when cost- related challenges arise, education is “one of the things they end up splicing out of their life.”

He doesn’t want to see any students sacrificing their dreams.

“What they need is our support and our encouragement to help them overcome their barriers,” said Coleman.

To help end college hunger, connect with your local food bank.

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