Hunger Hurts! No one should ever go hungry, and no one should wonder where his or her next meal is coming from. Unfortunately, many students struggle with the cost of food and lack of transportation to get to a local food pantry. Imagine trying to concentrate at school while you are hungry. Students should never have to choose between their education and nutritious food. Unmet needs like these are obstacles to student learning.
Dr. Stephen Byrne and Dr. Laura Gionet, professors in St. Petersburg College‘s Natural Science Department at the St. Petersburg Gibbs Campus, hosted a very successful food drive for their campus food pantry. SPC’s Natural Science faculty and students provided more than 3,000 food and toiletry items to replenish our food pantry, expressing compassion and empathy for those who struggle due to financial or other limitations. They all truly appreciated being a part of the solution to end hunger and realize this can happen to anyone.
To use the pantry, students in need simply show their student IDs and shop for what they need. Additionally, please know the food pantry is also available for faculty and staff.
When we donate to the food pantry, we are directly feeding those in need. To donate, people can drop food and hygiene items off at the St. Petersburg Gibbs Campus Food Pantry in the SS lobby, Monday – Thursday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., excluding Winter Break.
Some of the most post popular items are:
- Breakfast items
- Canned or boxed milk
- Canned tuna/chicken, etc.
- Pasta and pasta sauce
- Hygiene items
- Baby food
- Pet food
The Natural Science Department certainly strives to demonstrate a Community of Care. We are thankful to each and every student and staff member who donated and made this food drive a success. Let’s keep it going during the new year. Wishing each of you a Happy and Healthy New Year!