Arizona Western College issued the following announcement on Feb. 11
Andale’s Food Pantry recently received a $1,000 grant from the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation to help Arizona Western College support the needs of its students.
Coordinator of Student Leadership and Activities Shara Skinner shared that she was contacted by Senior Supervisor for Sodexo Martha Sanchez last fall about applying for the grant. With daily requests for assistance through the pantry, Skinner said that the funds will be crucial in helping to fill its shelves when supplies are running low.
To further help bridge the resource gap for students, AWC faculty and staff have stepped in to collect items for the pantry as well.
AWC Director of Emergency Medical Services Joseph Waterford recently led a drive through the Dorothy Young Memorial Electric Light Parade to collect donations from local RV Parks. That effort completely restocked the pantry in preparation for the spring semester.
AWC Career Services Experiential Learning Specialist Donna Lay is also currently leading a food and toiletry drive to benefit the pantry with those in the local Territorial Charter Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association.
“These are just a few examples of how the AWC community comes together and utilizes community organizations they are a part of in an effort to make a positive change during times of need,” said Skinner. “No matter what the problem, we can count on our staff, faculty, and students to find a solution and work together for the greater good.”
Andale’s Food Pantry was established in 2019 as part of the AWC Innovation Fund. The Innovation Fund supports the development of one-time projects that contribute to the mission and vision of the college, which includes creating thriving communities and eliminating poverty. Students enrolled at AWC can receive non-perishable food items and basic necessities through Andale’s Food Pantry. The service is designed to meet the immediate needs of students and their families.
“Andale's Pantry serves many students in need, and with our valued partnerships we are able to make a huge impact not only with our students but with their families as well,” said AWC student Karla Vera.
Nonperishable canned/boxed food, clothes, baby items, new blankets, and unused toiletries can be dropped off at the Campus Life or AWC Foundation offices, which are both located in the 3C Building of the AWC Yuma Campus, 2020 S. Ave. 8E.
AWC also runs a Hot Meal Program where donated funds are used to purchase students one meal a week in the cafeteria.
Those interested in giving can also do so monetarily to benefit students utilizing the Hot Meal Program. Visit azwestern.edu/student-life/food-pantry for more information about how to give.
This spring, the pantry has seen up to 20 students requesting items per week. Additionally, over 150 hot meal cards were distributed last fall, and about 50 have been given out so far this spring.
Andale’s Food Pantry is located in the Educational Services (ES) Building in Room 101 at the AWC Yuma Campus and has limited hours throughout the semester. Students can set up an appointment to visit the pantry by applying for services online or by awcfoodpantry@azwestern.edu for more information.
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