BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Bakersfield College officials celebrated the opening of two food pantries at their Arvin and Southwest campuses. A statement of support that Bakersfield College students can look toward when in need, a food pantry that does more than just fill stomachs.
In a survey published last year, it was reported that nearly half of college students in California dealt with food insecurity, a percentage that spiked to 70% for students attending a California community college.
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A statewide need, addressed for Kern County students.
“I know for me I find the pantry really beneficial, because sometimes I just don’t have time to make it to the cafeteria, or I’m running late on my way to class; so I can pick up something quick that way I’m not tired, tummy grumbling in the middle of class,” said Trinity Matthews, a student at BC.
The Renegade Food Pantry contains snacks, water, protein shakes and basic hygiene supplies like deodorant and toothpaste.
The pantries at the Arvin and Southwest BC locations highlight the work toward bettering student life but still leave room for overall improvement.
“The pantry is just the start, we’ll be looking for opportunities to expand transportation services, clothing, hygiene, looking for other opportunities to help support our students,” said Kaitlyn Davidson the program manager for basic needs at BC.
BC hopes that the easier access to food pantries for students across different campuses will serve as figurative and literal fuel to better academics.
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“The food pantry is a great resource for me as a student. I feel like as a student, to function in general is to take care of yourself, and I think that the pantry is a great way to do that,” said Araya Ban, a student at BC.
To use the Renegade Pantry, current students must be enrolled in at least half a credit and show a current BC ID card at checkout.
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