In colleges across North America, students often face more challenges than just good grades. Many college students carry hidden burdens that they must deal with on their own. Some of them may have to hold jobs to support their household or are even facing homelessness and food insecurity. In trying to create better futures for themselves, these students are often in dire need of help. That’s where local food pantries come in!
Some colleges offer food pantry programs to support their students by providing groceries that help them get through a week without worrying about their next meal. But these helpful pantries often rely on the kindness and dedication of volunteers and their donations.
Rodney H. and Cinthya B. are both Foresters members who understood this significant need and wanted to support students at their local colleges.
Even a little help can make a huge impact
Rodney has been a member for over 12 years and understands the impact being there for others can have on their lives.
“I’m pretty excited to be involved and active in Foresters. I get a lot out of the member benefits, particularly the Community Volunteer grants in which I’m able to take those dollars and do a lot of good in my local community,” Rodney said.
Using his Community Volunteer grant, he purchased $1,500 of essential groceries for his local college’s food pantry in Reedley, California. “It made me feel good that I was able to help students who are in a spot in their life where they need all the assistance that they can.”
It was all about the impact on the students for Rodney, because even the smallest bit of help can help change a life. “If you do not have $5 or $10 to try to, you know, prepare a meal for yourself, that meal that you can get for free is huge. It’s a huge deal,” he said.
Rodney went on to share the stories he heard about students from all walks of life, “A lot of times these students only have the staff and faculty at the college to support them. Especially first-generation college students, where there may not be a lot of support at home.”
Setting students up to reach their goals
Cinthya is also a Foresters member who, like Rodney, responded to the need to assist students trying to better themselves. By working at the local college in her community, she has witnessed these students facing hunger and financial burdens firsthand. “I work at the community college right now, and we have a pantry for students to come to when they need a little help getting by,” Cinthya said as she spoke of her work experience.
Being right there and seeing the students facing these struggles head-on inspired Cinthya to lend a hand. “I’ve done a lot of care packages for students. I do a lot for their pantry just because it’s essential for them,” Cinthya explained.
For her, groceries and meals can help students feel ready to tackle their goals. But even a small gesture of help can start a student off on a path to success. “I’ve also done meals and even just the basics students need to start off college. Even if it’s just pens or highlighters, just to start them off right.”
Cinthya believes that college students deserve positive impacts in their lives. She explained, “I just feel it’s important for us to help them just because they are trying to earn some type of education. And the smallest thing that we could do for them is going to make an impact on their life.”
See Rodney and Cinthya talk about their experience
A little help really can change a life
The simple act of being there and helping others can make more of a difference than you might think! And we can help you with that. As a Foresters member, you can access grants like Community Volunteer and Foresters Care™.
Community Volunteer grants give you up to $1,500 to help organize or attend more hands-on volunteer experiences. Foresters Care, on the other hand, is a small but powerful grant that offers $200 twice a year to help you make a quick and impactful difference.
Learn more about the Community Volunteer and Foresters Care grants now to get started.