MEDIA, PA — Addressing the pressing issue of food insecurity among college students, Delaware County Community College has expanded its Student Resource Center and Food Pantry thanks to a generous $75,000 gift from Aqua, a subsidiary of Essential Utilities. This initiative is a significant step toward tackling the food insecurity that hampers 23 percent of undergraduates nationwide, as reported by a 2023 survey conducted by Temple University’s The Hope Center.
Since 2020, the College has been recognized as a PA Hunger-Free Campus by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The Student Resource Center has served as a critical support system for over 2,400 students each year, providing essential items such as non-perishable food, toiletries, and school supplies. The recent financial boost from Aqua will significantly enhance the Center’s capacity, enabling it to serve up to 2,700 students annually. This includes expanding food orders from Philabundance, the Center’s primary supplier, from 2,000 lbs. to 2,500 lbs. per month.
The expansion of the Student Resource Center was celebrated on September 6 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Marple Campus, followed by a Welcome Back Barbecue for students. Dr. Marta Yera Cronin, President of Delaware County Community College, underscored the Center’s role in reducing educational barriers and boosting graduation and retention rates. “Our Student Resource Center is essential in helping to improve our students’ graduation, retention, and completion rates,” she remarked, expressing gratitude for Aqua’s support in their mission to provide equitable access to higher education for students in Delaware and Chester Counties.
The enhanced facility will also accommodate the storage of meat and frozen foods offered periodically by Philabundance. In addition to Philabundance, partners like Wawa and Sharing Excess, a nonprofit that donates fresh produce, contribute significantly to the food pantry. Dr. Kendrick Mickens, Director of Student Outreach and Support, highlighted how Aqua’s contribution empowers the center to further uplift the student community by providing critical resources that foster academic success. “Aqua’s generous support enhances our ability to provide valuable resources to our students and helps improve their retention and graduation rates,” Mickens stated.
The expansion of the Essential Student Resource Center and Food Pantry is a pivotal effort in supporting students’ educational and professional aspirations. By addressing food insecurity, the College is helping students overcome significant challenges that could impede their ability to succeed academically. This marks a vital chapter in the College’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that students have the necessary resources to thrive in their educational journeys.
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