Food insecurity is a problem that impacts people across the world. College students are no exception.

There are over 14,000 students that attend MATC any given year. According to a study funded by the Fast Fund, a large number of the college’s  students struggle with obtaining affordable food.   Last November, 51%  of these students admitted to facing food insecurity in the previous 30 days.

Help in improving these statistics came in the form of an on-campus  food pantry.

Located in the Student Resource center, S215, the pantry is easily accessible. There are non-perishable items available to students in addition to ready made meals prepared by culinary students.  These meals can be warmed-up later at the student’s convenience.

The impact of the food pantry has been felt immediately since its opening last November in 2021.

“Anecdotally, we have had many students tell us how helpful having the student food pantry has been,” said Student Resource Specialist Haley Weber.

“We know that sometimes students have to choose between going to work to pay for food for themselves and their families or completing their degree. We hope that we are easing that stress a little,” said Weber.

MacKenzie Corbitt is a student that was inspired to create a recipe with the items the pantry has to offer. Though the options can be limited it did not prevent her from creating a quick easy meal using chicken, veggies, and rice.

“After my first visit I fell in love with the idea to give back and to give my other school mates quick easy meal ideas,” said Corbitt. “I thought it’d be cool to do a fresh fast meal idea using the items we are given.”

The food pantry is opened on Tuesdays from 10AM-4PM as well as Wednesday’s and Thursday’s 10AM-6PM. A student ID is required.

More from the Times:   Stormers baseball starts season on a positive note

More from the Times:   A behind the scenes look at the Times

More from the Times:  Alum and former commencement speaker’s life saving decision