“If you need food, come and get food. We will load you up.” Map
That’s the simple premise for Yavapai College’s second communitywide food distribution – the follow-up to a successful staff and student-driven community service project in fall 2024 that lifted 194 households.
It’s a premise born of the belief that many YC students could use some extra food, and so could many of their friends and neighbors.
“This is who we are. This is what we do. We lift people up and not just our own students. We help everybody,” said YC Student Affairs Coordinator Deborah Chambers. “We were so successful in every way last time we knew we wanted to do this again.”
The college’s second communitywide food distribution, again made possible in partnership with St. Mary’s Food Bank, is happening between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Friday, March 28, on the YC Prescott Campus. As before, the food distribution is open to everyone, is a drive-through operation commencing on North Washington Street, and is available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
The exact amount and type of food to be given away won’t be known until the day before the distribution, Chambers said. However, she expects the boxes loaded into participants’ trunks to include fresh fruit and vegetables, bread, meat, dairy products and non-perishables. “It will be a nice variety,” she said.
The impetus for the college’s initial food distribution was the desire to fulfill a need in the greater community. Noting that Yavapai College has touched many lives in the community, be it students, lifelong learners, event attendees and more, Chambers said, “this is our community. These are our people.”
The college opened a food pantry for students and their families in 2017 to prevent students struggling with basic needs from giving up on their career and academic dreams. The pantry serves hundreds of students and their families annually. The pantry served 36 students in January and 56 in February.
“You know if our students are struggling, our community is struggling,” Chambers said. “We know because we go to the grocery store. We know what the prices are like.”
Area residents unable to take advantage of the March 28 community food distribution are welcome to ask a family member or neighbor to pick up food on their behalf. Residents can visit mohelp.org for other area food-sharing resources.
For more information, or to learn how to donate to YC’s emergency food pantry and other resources for students, visit yc.edu/foodpantry. Email Chambers, deborah.chambers@yc.edu.
Yavapai College operates six campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers more than 100 degrees and certificates, two baccalaureate degrees, student and community services, and cultural events and activities.
To learn more about YC, visit www.yc.edu