BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) \u2014 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Decorating sweet treats for Sunday\u2019s \u2018Big Game\u2019 <\/a><\/p>\n A statewide need, addressed for Kern County students.<\/p>\n \u201cI know for me I find the pantry really beneficial, because sometimes I just don\u2019t have time to make it to the cafeteria, or I\u2019m running late on my way to class; so I can pick up something quick that way I\u2019m not tired, tummy grumbling in the middle of class,\u201d said Trinity Matthews, a student at BC.<\/p>\n The Renegade Food Pantry contains snacks, water, protein shakes and basic hygiene supplies like deodorant and toothpaste.<\/p>\n The pantries at the Arvin and Southwest BC locations highlight the work toward bettering student life but still leave room for overall improvement.<\/p>\n \u201cThe pantry is just the start, we\u2019ll be looking for opportunities to expand transportation services, clothing, hygiene, looking for other opportunities to help support our students,\u201d said Kaitlyn Davidson the program manager for basic needs at BC.<\/p>\n BC hopes that the easier access to food pantries for students across different campuses will serve as figurative and literal fuel to better academics.<\/p>\n