Recognized for providing resources to alleviate hunger among college students.
Monaca, PA – Community College of Beaver County (CCBC) is now designated as a PA Hunger-Free Campus by the First Lady of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) for going above and beyond to alleviate hunger among college students.
In September, CCBC opened a Student Resource Center and Wellness Store that provides students with non-perishable food items, clothing, technology, and a safe place to study and relax. The Wellness Store served 115 students during the 2023-24 academic year.
ACT 101, a state program that assists students who meet certain academic and economic guidelines, sponsors the Center and Store, which is located on the lower level of the Student Services Center.
“Our designation as a Hunger-Free Campus is a testament to our commitment to all students’ well-being,” said Angela Hamilton, vice president of student affairs. “The Wellness Store has been a vital resource for supporting our students’ academic and personal success. We are dedicated to continuing these efforts and exploring new ways to ensure no student goes hungry.”
Research shows that approximately one-third of college students are food insecure. Pursuing higher education should not be a privilege reserved for individuals with disposable incomes, and hunger should never be what holds someone back. Approximately 52% of students who faced food or housing insecurity in 2020 did not apply for support because they did not know how. Colleges and universities across the country are taking steps to address these issues so students can focus on their education instead of where to find their next meal.
Additional CCBC initiatives include an ACT 101-sponsored “Gobble and Go” for Thanksgiving and a “Take a Taco” event in February to raise awareness of the store and provide an opportunity to serve hot meals to students and their families.
To learn more about PA Hunger-Free Campus as well as additional resources, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) as they continue to collaborate with institutions to find best practices, discover new ideas, and continue to reduce the barriers that impact college students.
Visit CCBC online to learn more about the college’s student wellness services.
