For Kandy Ruiz, the director of the Pikes Peak State College program that provides support to students in need, the issue of food insecurity hits close to home. As a first-generation, low-income college student herself, Ruiz often had to prioritize graduation and paying bills over proper nutrition, sometimes going days without a proper meal. Now, she's on a mission to ensure no student at PPSC has to make that same sacrifice.

Empowering Students to Succeed Through Nourishment

Addressing a Growing Need

The partnership between PPSC and Canvas Credit Union comes at a critical time, as the number of students utilizing the college's food pantries has skyrocketed from 6,000 per year in 2021 to 38,000 by the end of the last academic year. This sixfold increase in demand has stretched the college's resources thin, leaving them often without the necessary supplies to meet the nutritional needs of their food-insecure students."We were often out of food here," PPSC President Lance Bolton acknowledged. "But today we stand in a place where we know that we can provide for this need throughout the year for our students."

Reducing the Stigma of Food Insecurity

To help alleviate the stigma associated with struggling to afford food, PPSC has designed its food pantries to resemble a grocery shopping experience. Students are greeted upon arrival, sign in, and then are free to browse the shelves and refrigerators, selecting up to 10 items per person. Reusable bags are provided, and for first-time visitors, a student volunteer or employee is on hand to guide them through the process.This approach not only preserves the dignity of the students but also encourages them to take advantage of the resource without fear of judgment or shame. The food pantries are open to all members of the PPSC community, including faculty and staff, further normalizing the experience.

Expanding Access and Offerings

The partnership with Canvas Credit Union has allowed PPSC to expand its food pantry offerings beyond just non-perishable food items. The Centennial campus location now includes a fashion closet with clothing for all ages, as well as pet food and baby and adult hygiene products.Additionally, the college is in the process of establishing a fourth food pantry at the Center for Healthcare Education and Simulation (CHES), ensuring that students across all PPSC campuses have access to this vital resource."Helping students be able to feed themselves and stay in college … that's the mission here," Bolton emphasized, underscoring the college's commitment to supporting its students' basic needs.

A Lifeline for Food-Insecure Students

For Kandy Ruiz and the countless students she's worked with, the Canvas Community Food Pantries represent more than just a source of sustenance – they're a lifeline that allows students to focus on their studies without the constant worry of where their next meal will come from."If you're worried about how you're going to eat, it's really hard to focus on learning," Bolton acknowledged. By addressing this fundamental need, PPSC and Canvas Credit Union are empowering students to succeed academically and reach their full potential.As the line of students waiting to access the food pantry on the Centennial campus stretched out the door following the launch of the partnership, it was a testament to the vital role these resources play in supporting the PPSC community. With the continued support of Canvas Credit Union and the dedication of the college's staff, the Canvas Community Food Pantries are poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of students for years to come.