RCTC receives $25,000 grant for on-campus food pantry

(ABC 6 News) Rochester Community and Technical College was awarded a $25,000 State Farm Neighborhood Assist® grant to support students’ basic needs.

RCTC will use the grant funds to support the on-campus food pantry, the Hive Supply. Currently enrolled RCTC students have access to the Hive Supply which is stocked with non-perishable food items, personal hygiene products, and other items such as toilet paper, laundry soap, pans, and utensils. Students can visit once a week and collect up to ten items per visit at no cost.

RCTC has seen a rapid increase in student use of the Hive Supply over the past year. Each month the College’s Hive Supply continues to set new records for the number of students served. RCTC has been able to reduce the burden of food insecurities for students and their families but needs additional funding to continue.

“No one should have to choose between going hungry and going to college. But sadly, 35% of students face that difficult choice. We are so grateful for this Neighborhood Assist grant from State Farm that will ensure our students have regular access to healthy food so they can stay in school, focus on their classes, and get a degree,” stated Kristin Mannix, Advancement Coordinator for the RCTC Foundation. “Thank you to all our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community members who voted for the RCTC HIVE Supply as part of the grant process. Your commitment to RCTC will provide a better future for our students and their families.”

For more information about supporting RCTC students’ basic needs, contact Kristin Mannix at the RCTC Foundation at foundation@rctc.edu or 507-281-7771.