Yavapai College Launches Innovative Drive-Through Food Distribution to Combat Student Hunger

Yavapai College, a leading educational institution in Arizona, is taking a bold step to address the pressing issue of food insecurity among its students and the surrounding community. In a groundbreaking move, the college is set to debut a new communitywide, drive-through food distribution program on September 27th, aiming to alleviate the burden of hunger and provide much-needed support to those in need.

Empowering Students and Strengthening Communities

Addressing the Realities of Student Poverty

Recognizing that a college education is not just about academic achievement, but also about providing a pathway out of poverty, Yavapai College has taken a proactive approach to supporting its students. President Dr. Lisa Rhine has emphasized the college's commitment to ensuring that its students have access to the resources they need to succeed, stating, "Our college cannot be a pathway out of poverty if we are not willing to support our students while they are in poverty."

This sentiment has driven the college's efforts to establish an emergency food pantry, which has already served 897 students and their family members in the last academic year. The drive-through food distribution program is the next step in the college's mission to address food insecurity and empower its students to focus on their studies without the added burden of worrying about where their next meal will come from.

Partnering for Community Impact

To amplify the reach and impact of its food distribution efforts, Yavapai College has forged a strategic partnership with St. Mary's Food Bank. This collaboration will allow the college to distribute thousands of pounds of non-perishable food to the community, ensuring that the college's mission to "lift lives and strengthen economies" extends beyond the campus boundaries.

The drive-through format of the food distribution event has been designed to make the process as accessible and convenient as possible for participants. All area residents in need of additional food support are welcome to simply drive onto the Yavapai College Prescott campus, open their trunks or backseats, and receive bags and boxes full of a wide variety of food items, including meat, dairy, bread, vegetables, fruit, juices, and dry goods.

Building a Sustainable Food Security Network

The September 27th food distribution event is just the beginning of Yavapai College's efforts to address food insecurity in the community. Deb Chambers, the college's Student Affairs Coordinator, has expressed the college's hope to conduct more drive-through food-sharing operations in the future, stating, "We hope there's so many people and it's such a huge success that everybody wants to do it again."

By leveraging its resources, partnerships, and the dedication of its faculty and staff, Yavapai College is positioning itself as a leader in the fight against food insecurity. The college's drive-through food distribution program is a testament to its commitment to supporting its students and the broader community, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of education and economic stability.