Wake Tech Prepares for Increased Student Food Assistance Needs

Wake Technical Community College in Raleigh, North Carolina, is preparing for a surge in demand for food assistance as the ongoing government shutdown threatens the benefits of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). With an estimated 1.4 million people in North Carolina potentially losing these essential benefits on November 1, the college’s Care Center is mobilizing resources to support hundreds of students and their families.

In a recent news release, Laurie Clowers, the Vice President of Communications and Marketing at Wake Technical Community College, highlighted the college’s proactive measures. “In anticipation of increased demand for assistance, the Care Center is ramping up resources to help currently-registered students in need,” she stated.

The Care Center has already noticed a significant uptick in requests for Thanksgiving meals through its “A Wake and Thankful” initiative. The college plans to distribute meal kits throughout the upcoming week, each containing nonperishable items such as instant mashed potatoes, gravy, canned vegetables, muffin mix, and ingredients for apple and pumpkin pies. Additionally, each kit includes a voucher for a free turkey.

Last year, Wake Tech served 262 students who requested meal kits, but this year, the number of applications has skyrocketed to 761. The college’s Care Center not only provides meal kits but also offers various support resources, including The Nest Food Pantry, laptops, wellness services, and emergency financial assistance.

“Nearly 1,000 students with food insecurity turn to The Nest for assistance each year,” Clowers noted. The Nest is supported by local businesses such as Food Lion and Publix, as well as private donors. Students can shop online for items and arrange to pick them up at one of the college’s eight locations. For those who prefer not to shop, ready-to-go bags of staple foods are available.

School leaders emphasize that public contributions would significantly aid students facing food insecurity. “Monetary donations are the fastest way to quickly and effectively ensure that the Care Center can replenish needed items as they are exhausted,” Clowers remarked.

Those interested in supporting the initiative can make donations to the Wake Tech Foundation. The food pantry also welcomes non-perishable goods, which can be dropped off at Care Center locations across all Wake Tech campuses.

As the government shutdown continues, Wake Technical Community College remains committed to ensuring that its students have access to essential food resources, highlighting the importance of community support during challenging times.