This content was published: October 12, 2018. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
Helping the hungry in honor of National Student Day
Photos and story by Sarah Rose Evans
National Student Day has been traditionally celebrated on the second Thursday of October, but at Portland Community College, its campus-based bookstores will celebrate the day with a week-long food drive instead.
Set to take place Oct. 15-19, the food drive will benefit the college’s “Panther Pantries” and will offer contests, games with prizes and music for those on the campuses to enjoy throughout the week. Open at all four PCC campuses, Panther Pantries help students struggling with food insecurity. Many students experience hunger while juggling the demands of pursuing their education.
Throughout the week, non-perishable food can be dropped off at campus bookstores, and Panther Pantries will get donations to needy students. The most desired foods include peanut and almond butter, rice, tuna, beans (both canned and dried), pasta, whole grain cereal, shelf-stable milk, cooking oil, and canned tomatoes. Homemade or non-commercial canned items cannot be accepted, nor can anything opened or used.
In addition to food items, new, unopened personal hygiene products also are welcomed. This includes:
- Soap
- Shampoo/Conditioner
- Deodorant
- Toothpaste/Toothbrushes
- Tampons/Pads
- Lotion
There is also need for supplies for new parents:
- Diapers
- Baby wipes
- Baby formula
- Baby bottles
- Shelf-stable Baby Food
For more information about Panther Pantries, contact the Student Leadership Managers at each campus:
- Kendi Esary, Cascade Campus
- Mandy Ellertson, Rock Creek Campus
- DeLinda Martin-Huggins, Southeast Campus
- Stephen Arthur, Sylvania Campus
About Sarah Rose Evans
Sarah Rose Evans is a graduate of Columbia University's school of the arts, and has been working for Portland Community College since 2015. more »
I’m curious as to why this story wasn’t more prominently displayed?
There is no feature picture, and it wasn’t highlighted on the “front page” of our website.
Food insecurity for students, staff, and beyond, is a major issue that shouldn’t be forgotten, like this story was.
Thanks so much for your input! The project came together quickly and we wanted to publicize as soon as possible to allow people to participate. We are working on a longer news piece on the food insecurity many students face, as well as sharing more information on the Panther Pantries, so keep an eye out for more coming soon. Thanks!