Rowan College at Burlington County (RCBC) has opened a food pantry for students challenged by food insecurity.
With funding from the New Jersey Community College Opportunity Grant, the school’s officials said that the food pantry will open once-per-week out of a certain location in Votta Hall. The college’s service-learning scholars will staff the pantry and distribute the food to any student with a current student ID, according to school officials.
“National data show that 25% of community college students do not have enough to eat, which hurts their ability to succeed and graduate,” said RCBC President Michael A. Cioce in a statement. “At Rowan College at Burlington County, we believe that no Baron should go hungry. Students experiencing food insecurity should know that they are not alone and that we are committed to helping them – no questions asked.”
The college, along the Secretary of Higher Education Zakiya Smith Ellis, officially opened the pantry on Sept. 9 with a ceremonial packing of the first bag at the pantry.
“As a state, we recognize the challenge of affordability of postsecondary education includes more than just tuition and fees,” said Ellis. “Students face additional hardships that include food or housing insecurity, childcare and transportation.
“In order to help students be successful, we need to address these expenses as well, and we’re excited to see Rowan College at Burlington County recognize, and address the needs of their students by opening a food pantry,” Ellis added.
The food pantry, located in Votta Hall by parking lot No. 2, will open on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. It offers an exclusive exterior entrance that students can privately access. Information about the pantry can be found at rcbc.edu/food-pantry.
