More than half of all community-college students struggle with food insecurity, according to “The Hidden Hunger on College Campuses” written by Laura McKenna. To help meet that need locally, Wabash Valley College Student Senate in conjunction with the Leadership Development class is pleased to announce the launch of FRESH, a new initiative to ensure WVC students don’t have to worry about where their next meal is coming from.

With assistance from faculty, staff, students and the community, FRESH will make non-perishable food items and other necessities available to all WVC students in need, with no exceptions.

The concept of FRESH was born after faculty members discussed students who had come to them in need. Those couple of students and those incidents sparked concern that there were many more who were not asking for help.

By partnering with local organizations including Heartland Worship Center’s Bridges of Hope food pantry and the Heart of Hope food pantry, FRESH has been able to obtain enough items to launch the food pantry program on campus. However, in order to sustain the program, community donations are always welcome. Those wishing to donate non-perishable food, personal hygiene products, or those wishing to make a cash donation may contact Kyle Peach, WVC Student Senate Advisor, at peachk@iecc.edu or at (618) 263-5531.

Students needing assistance are asked to bring their student I.D. to the FRESH food pantry, open in the WVC Bauer Media Center Library Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Wednesdays from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. FRESH will be staffed by student volunteers who will assist their peers in obtaining goods.

In addition to the pantry, several Grab-n-Go locations will be set up around campus for items such as small snacks and breakfast bars.

For additional information or to find out how you can help, call Kyle Peach at (618) 263-5531.