Nourishing Minds: How Davidson-Davie Community College is Taming Food Insecurity
In the heart of North Carolina, a food revolution is simmering just right, and it’s being led by none other than hungry college students at Davidson-Davie Community College. With a staggering 1.2 million North Carolinians grappling with food insecurity—including those eager scholars—this community is stepping into the spotlight with a delicious mission: ensuring no student has to study on an empty stomach.
A Flavorful Victory
Recently crowned the Sector Hunger Champion for Community College Campuses in the N.C. Collegiate Hunger Challenge, Davidson-Davie takes center stage amid a culinary competition involving 14 colleges. Each campus flexed its culinary muscle through creative activities designed to spotlight food scarcity, ultimately winning a $5,000 boost to enhance their food initiatives. Talk about a recipe for success!
The Pantry: A Lifeline
Imagine a pantry brimming with fresh produce and essential personal products, a safe haven for students in need. This is not just a dream; it’s a reality thanks to the efforts of dedicated staff and volunteers like Lynne Watts, who heads the Student Life and Leadership department. With rising food prices making meals a growing concern, Lynne’s hope is to “decrease the impact food insecurity has on a student’s academic performance.”
In 2024 alone, the pantry nourished 498 students, a number set to double again by the end of 2025. Each can of beans and bag of rice feels like an investment in the future for these students, ensuring they can focus on their studies without the distraction of an empty stomach.
Students Supporting Students
Meet Lynn Frausto and Katrina Prickett, two passionate students rolling up their sleeves at the pantry. Their hands-on involvement isn’t just about service; it’s personal. As Katrina shares, “I myself am familiar with the insecurities, so it was a no-brainer for me to help.” Lynn echoes the sentiment, highlighting her family’s past struggles with hunger. Their mission transcends mere charity—it’s about community and compassion.
Katrina and Lynn aren’t merely helping to fill plates; they’re dishing out hope. “Without this pantry, there’d be so many people going home at night without a meal,” Lynn emphasizes, encapsulating the vital role the pantry plays in students’ lives.
A Call to Action
The Collegiate Hunger Challenge, sparked by Food Lion Feeds in collaboration with North Carolina Campus Engagement, is more than just a competition; it’s a movement. It invites other colleges to join the fray and offers a tasty challenge to get creative in the fight against hunger.
College students everywhere are reminded: one meal can make a world of difference. Whether you donate, volunteer, or simply spread the word, every morsel counts. So, the next time you bite into your sandwich or savor your cereal, think about how that simple act can ripple out to support a student striving for success. Together, we can ensure that every student has the nourishment they need not just to survive, but to thrive.
Let’s raise a toast to community, compassion, and the power of a full plate! 🍽️
Covers wellness, nutrition, mental health, and daily life tips.
Bio: Talia brings a background in health journalism and holistic living to help readers live better, one tip at a time.