“Our college cannot be a pathway out of poverty if we are not willing to support our students while they are in poverty.” – Yavapai College President Dr. Lisa Rhine, addressing faculty and staff during Convocation in August.

In the same remarks, Dr. Rhine shared that the college’s emergency food pantry – launched in 2019 in response to tremendous need -- served 897 students and their family members last academic year.

To alleviate food insecurity among our students, their families and their neighbors in the communities where YC’s mission is to lift lives and strengthen economies, the college is partnering with St. Mary’s Food Bank to distribute thousands of pounds of non-perishable food on Friday, Sept. 27, at the YC Prescott Campus. Everyone who could use some extra food in their home is welcome to participate.  

Participation will be easy! All area residents need to do is drive onto to the Yavapai College Prescott campus via North Washington Avenue, open their trunks or backseats to volunteers hoisting bags and boxes full of food and drive off, exiting campus via Marsten Avenue onto Sheldon Street.

The drive-through food distribution hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., or until supplies run out, so food drive organizers are urging participants to arrive as early as they can. View flyer

Deb Chambers, YC Student Affairs Coordinator, said participants can expect a wide variety of food items  with this distribution based on what is available in the St. Mary’s Food Bank warehouse. Free food items may include meat and dairy products, bread, vegetables, fruit, juices and dry goods.

YC’s goal for the Sept. 27 food distribution is simple, Chambers said. “If you need food we want you to come get it.”

Chambers applauded St. Mary’s Food Bank for its sponsorship of YC’s first foray into distributing food more widely in the community. She said the college hopes to conduct more drive-through food sharing operations in the future. “We hope there’s so many people and it’s such a huge success that everybody wants to do it again.”

The Yavapai College Prescott Campus is located at 1100 E. Sheldon St. A map showing the drive-through food distribution route is posted at yc.edu/foodpantry. The food distribution will take place regardless of weather conditions.

Those unable to participate in YC’s inaugural drive-through food distribution 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 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