RICHMOND, VA (LOOTPRESS) — Thanks to the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation’s continued partnership with the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education (VFCCE), Southwest Virginia Community College (Southwest) received $6000 to expand hunger relief initiatives and promote food security among students.
Southwest used a portion of the funding to stock their on-campus “Food for Thought” food pantry with non-perishable, grab-and-go food items. Meal cards for the Eagle Café campus cafeteria were also purchased allowing students to enjoy hot meals and fresh salads. Anthem awarded a total of $100,000 to community colleges across the state to provide flexible funds for supporting hunger relief efforts and connecting students to sustaining public benefits.
Lisa Haywood, Advising Coordinator at Southwest, commented, “Southwest students have appreciated the benefit of hot meals and fresh salads provided by the meal cards. One student stated she would not have food for breakfast or lunch if it were not for Food for Thought and the meal cards supplied this semester. This has enabled her to continue her education without hunger being a barrier to her success. She will graduate in the spring with an AA&S in Science. She is representative of the hundreds who havebenefited from the generosity of Anthem.”
Food insecurity represents a significant challenge for many students. A fall 2020 survey of all 23 community colleges conducted by the Hope Center revealed that one-third of students are faced with food insecurity. Furthermore, 63 percent do not apply for public benefits because they are unaware of their eligibility. By providing students with the resources needed to succeed, Anthem is creating equal access to economic mobility.
“Southwest Virginia Community College has been a wonderful partner is meeting the needs of all students. We are inspired by the college’s efforts to address food insecurity and realize this is critical to helping students reach graduation,” stated Dr. Jennifer Gentry, VCCS Vice Chancellor and VFCCE Executive Director.
This marks the third consecutive year that the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Foundation has partnered with the VFCCE to address food insecurity; by supporting hunger relief, Anthem is helping students finish college, pursue fulfilling careers, and build healthier futures.