KALISPELL – With the diverse group of students at Flathead Valley Community College, the school has created a food bank for those struggling to get three meals a day.
A survey done by the college showed that students at FVCC had higher than average food insecurity in the region and nation.
With traditional and non-traditional students, some students on campus may be balancing a family and a full course load. In order to access the pantry, all the student needs to do is provide their student ID number.
Students, professors and community members can donate non-perishable items to the pantry on campus.
Wendy Jeschke tells us that when unforeseen circumstances come their way, often times a meal is the first thing to go, which is the last thing a student should have to worry about.
“They are working on a very tight budget, Jeschke said. “If they have a breakdown with their vehicle or maybe have an extra medical expense the first thing we’re finding out students do is they will decrease their food budget. Either they’ll skip meals, that kinda thing.”
Seeing the growing needs for students on campus, Jeschke tells us the college is looking into expanding the pantry to other home goods as well.
