Southeast Arkansas College will open a food pantry in the General Studies North building for all currently enrolled SEARK students, faculty and staff.
The effort is in partnership with the Southeast Arkansas College Foundation and the Arkansas Food Bank.
The pantry will assist as a supplement to the nutritional needs of individuals and families, according to a news release.
“Learning when you are hungry is difficult, but learning when you are chronically hungry is almost impossible,” SEARK President Steven Bloomberg said. “We as a college are examining different efforts that can help the student in all aspects of their life, both inside and outside of the classroom.”
Lisa Gober is director of Career Pathways and Food Pantry Project lead.
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“Even though you don’t hear about it often, hunger is an issue,” Gober said. “We are grateful for a chance to help. With the support of both President Bloomberg and the Southeast Arkansas College Foundation, we will anticipate making our first food distribution in mid-March.”
Tami Watts is coordinator of Community Outreach and a member of the Food Pantry Project Committee.
“Student hunger is not new, but until recently food access at colleges and universities has not received as much attention as it deserves,” Watts said. “Stigmas associated with poverty, homelessness, and food assistance programs have reinforced a lack of visibility of food security on college campuses.”
“The SEARK Food Pantry is the first step in efforts to help students overcome the real effects of food insecurity,” Watts said.
A recent study conducted by Feeding America found that 1 in 5 college students suffer from food insecurity, according to the news release.
The college plans to distribute once a month to approximately 50 households. There are also plans to expand in the future. The distribution would include three breakfasts, three lunches, and three dinners for each person in the households.
For information on the SEARK Food Pantry or how to donate, contact Lisa Gober or Tami Watts at SEARK, office of Career Pathways, at foodpantry@seark.edu or 870-543-5969.