The Black Hawk College food pantries provide students with food for thought.
The Hawk’s Cupboard at the Quad-Cities Campus and the Emergency Food Pantry at the East Campus feed students in need.
“It takes a little bit of worry off their plate so they can focus on their studies,” said Jen Holldorf, special populations coordinator.
BHC students who benefit from food assistance are far from alone: many college students face hunger while they try to concentrate on studying.
A survey released earlier this year found that 48% of community college students surveyed had limited or uncertain access to adequate food in the last month.
Both BHC campuses stock nonperishable food and toiletries. Donations from employees and students, including donation drives, make the pantries possible.
Earlier this year, the Quad-Cities Campus pantry expanded its offerings through a partnership with River Bend Foodbank. Now, students can also receive perishable food, including fresh produce and frozen meat, twice a month.
Quad-Cities Campus food pantry info
Students at the Quad-Cities Campus visit the third floor of Building 1 (above the Advising Center) to get help.
Throughout the year donations can be dropped off there as well. Those in need can reach out to counseling@bhc.edu or 309-796-5198 to get connected.
The Quad-Cities Campus Student Government Association (SGA) and Math Club are hosting a donation drive for the food pantry through Wednesday, Nov. 27.
The Hawk’s Cupboard wish list:
- Microwave meals
- Convenience foods
- Grab-and-go meals
- Protein bars
- Breakfast bars
- Fruit cups
- Canned fruit and veggies
- Peanut butter and jelly
- Pasta and sauce
- Condiments
- Pancake mix and syrup
- Cereal
- Personal hygiene products
- Feminine hygiene products
Donation bins are located in:
- Building 1 – outside the Hawk’s Hub
- Building 2 – second floor lobby
- Building 4, Room 117 – Veterans Resource Center
- Health Sciences Center – second floor lobby
East Campus food pantry info
East Campus students can get help by visiting Advising in Building A, Room 246 or by calling 309-854-1709. Students can pick up nonperishable food and request items such as baby diapers and refrigerated/frozen food.
The East Campus SGA hosts events that help the pantry, including Aggie Idol where the price of student admission is donating an item to the pantry.
Donors can drop off items in Advising throughout the year. Current in-demand items include:
- Spaghetti sauce (to go with noodles the pantry already has)
- Crackers and snack items such as granola bars, fruit bars and cereal bars
East Campus launched a mobile food pantry cart that staff moves to a new spot on campus each month. Right now it is in the horse barn and arena area. For December and January it will be in Building B in the science wing. Students facing hunger can grab items from the cart as needed.