LCC food pantry free to all students

By Abby Cowels
Associate Editor

The LCC Pop-Up Food Pantry is free and welcomes all LCC students.

Students can grab a bite from the pantry every Monday between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. in the Gannon Building room 2214, adjacent to the Star Zone.

Guests will find entrees like ramen bowls, mac n’ cheese and paneer bowls with rice. Everything comes in microwavable packaging for convenience. There is a three-item limit on entrees.

Snacks have a six-item limit, and there are many choices, including chips, cookies, mixed nuts and more.

According to a statement from the Student Services Dean’s Office: “We started the current pantry in January 2023. Before the pandemic, the Academic Success Coach team distributed food cards for the Grand Avenue Market in the Commons …”

After the COVID-19 pandemic, access and availability to food on-campus changed drastically.  

“The food cards were void due to the permanent closing of the Grand Avenue Market, and all other on-campus food operations,” according to the statement. “This coincided with increased insecurity of food and basic needs in our student population.”

LCC is continuing its efforts to use resources to support the student body in academics, as well as in nutrition.

“Food is free and available to any LCC students who are hungry,” the Dean’s Office states. “Students are asked to bring their StarCards, as they may be asked to show that, (but) no personal information is recorded.”

There are no income-based requirements for access to the pantry. Students are asked to be considerate, but may have as many breakfast items as they like. There are muffins, Pop Tarts, granola bars and more.

“Having access to food choices is a basic need and essential for student success,” said Emily Barr, a student support specialist for the Adult Resource Center.

“When the pantry is open, every student I have interacted with is grateful to know they can come to the center to grab a snack, and/or a lunch meal to go. I’m thankful that LCC provides this on-campus resource at each of its locations.”