Louise R. Lester Foundation Awards $10,000 Grant to Combat Food Insecurity on Campus

The Louise R. Lester Foundation awarded a $10,000 grant to Beaufort County Community College to support its initiative to combat food insecurity among students. This generous grant aims to enhance the college's existing programs and develop new strategies to ensure that no student goes hungry.

Among Beaufort County households, 16% received SNAP benefits according to the most recent available data from the US Census, higher than the statewide rate of 13%. Recognizing the critical impact that nutrition has on academic performance and overall well-being, the college has been actively working to address this challenge. The grant from the Louise R. Lester Foundation will provide much-needed resources to expand these efforts and create a more supportive environment for all students.

Serena Sullivan, VP of institutional advancement at Beaufort CCC, expressed her gratitude for the foundation’s support. "We are deeply appreciative of the Louise R. Lester Foundation's continued commitment to our students' welfare. This grant will enable us to significantly bolster our food assistance programs and ensure that our students have the necessary support to succeed in their academic pursuits."

The funds from the grant will be used to purchase food for the campus pantry with a wider variety of nutritious foods, fresh produce, and full meals, ensuring that students have regular access to healthy meal options. The college will also focus on providing meals to students are coming straight from work. Some night classes run from 6:00-9:00 p.m., limiting options for students. The college also hopes to provide meal packages to a small group of households in need during extended breaks.

Beaufort CCC has used other grants to physically expand the food pantry and to put microwaves and small refrigerators in almost every building on campus to move away from nutritionally devoid snacks. The appliances are fitted with QR codes so that students take surveys on the types of food provided. Students are asked to write down items that they take to help maintain inventory.

The Louise R. Lester Foundation has a longstanding history of supporting educational and community initiatives, and it has a strong relationship with Beaufort CCC, supporting students through scholarships, benefitting three students during the 2023-2024 academic year. By addressing food insecurity, the foundation continues to uphold its mission of fostering a brighter future for individuals and communities.

Beaufort County Community College continues to find innovative ways to address complex issues related to poverty, understanding that for some, it is not as easy as just showing up for class. The college offers free tuition and fees for qualifying students through the Beaufort Promise Scholarship, support for first-generation college students through TRIO Student Support Services, mental health services, childcare funding, work-study opportunities, public transit vouchers for qualifying students, and tutoring services. The college understands that higher education can help people overcome economic disadvantages, so getting students past the many hurdles of poverty can help them prosper in the long run.