In 2017 Wor-Wic created the Food for Students initiative to help combat food insecurity among our students. Studies indicate that 66% of community college students experience some form of insecurity, and this can impact their ability to focus on their studies.
The Wor-Wic Campus Food Pantry is located in the Hazel Center, Room 301. It is open on Wednesdays and Thursdays from noon to 5 p.m.
Through a partnership with the Maryland Foodbank, Panera Bread, generous community supporters and Wor-Wic’ s students and employees, each pantry visitor is provided with enough food to last three days. Every Tuesday afternoon, the campus food pantry distributes bread and pastries through its collaboration with Panera Bread’s Dough-Nation Day.
The campus food pantry provides food items such as cereal, oatmeal, pancake mix, peanut butter, fruit, vegetables, pasta, soups, juice, dairy and proteins, as well as hygiene items for infants and adults.
Students and employees are eligible to access the food pantry twice each month, as well as participate in the various food distributions throughout the year. If there is an emergency food need, please call 410-334-2800 or go to student services in Room 109 of Brunkhorst Hall. To restock the food pantry, food drives are held, with assistance from 15 clubs and organizations on campus. The food drives also bring awareness to the food insecurity on campus and offer the opportunity for service-learning experiences. The pantry is operated by student and employee volunteers.
Our Community Garden is the primary source of produce for the Campus Food Pantry. Located in the courtyard between the Hazel Center and the Jordan Center, more than 200 square feet of space has been dedicated to this initiative. Up to twenty different types of produce are grown in the garden including lettuce, squash, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, peppers, radishes and kale. Devoted faculty, staff and student volunteers maintain and harvest the garden weekly.
Wor-Wic has a Garden Club, which meets twice a month to discuss what will be planted for the season and to learn gardening tips. To join the Garden Club or assist with planting and harvesting, please contact Dan Pavese at dpavese@worwic.edu or visit his office in Room 204 of the Hazel Center.