Rappahannock Community College Shows Overwhelming Support in Campus-wide Food Drive
Rappahannock Community College (RCC) recently held a campus-wide food drive and friendly competition among departments. The outpouring of support and collective willingness to help our RCC community was overwhelming. Thanks to the generosity of students, faculty, staff, and the Chesapeake Bay Governor’s School at Warsaw, an amazing 1,334 items and more than $700 was collected across both main campuses.
The College’s two pantries, located at the Glenns and Warsaw campuses, are critical lifelines for students and staff facing food insecurity. They provide non-perishable foods, toiletries, necessary items for parenting students, perishable food via cold storage, grocery store gift cards, and daily nutritious snacks through Grab and Go tables. Culinary Arts faculty provide educational resources on healthy eating, budget-conscious cooking, and nutrition, while holiday meal kits help ensure students and their families can enjoy Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. RCC’s Food Insecurity Committee will provide 20 Thanksgiving meals—10 at Glenns and 10 at Warsaw—for those facing the greatest need.
“This incredible response from our RCC community shows the heart and generosity of our students, faculty, and staff,” said Kelly Clifton, RCC’s Food Insecurity Committee Chair. “When students don’t have to worry about their next meal, they can fully focus on learning and achieving their goals. These pantries are one of the most tangible ways we demonstrate that every member of our community matters.”
The Ongoing Need
While the recent food drive was a tremendous success, the need at RCC continues. Approximately 30% of students report worrying about having enough food before their next paycheck — a stressor that can impact health, well-being, and academic performance. Nationwide, 41% of college students experience food insecurity, and students at two-year institutions like RCC are disproportionately affected. Many do not qualify for government programs like SNAP, making campus food resources essential for student success.
Partnerships That Make a Difference
RCC’s pantries also benefit from strong community partnerships, including Food Lion Feeds, Healthy Harvest, Just Harvest, and Sentara.
Donations remain critical to sustain and expand services. Contributions support pantry supplies, fresh foods, and educational programs for students. Donations can be made online at http://spot.fund/rv5n3tfsc in partnership with the American Association of Community Colleges who will provide matching funds through Giving Tuesday on December 2, or through RCC’s Educational Foundation at https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/32563/donations/new.
“By supporting RCC’s food pantries, donors are investing directly in students’ futures,” Clifton said. “Food access is fundamental to learning, and every donation helps close the hunger gap in our community.”