BEATRICE - The Southeast Community College Student Food Pantry is seeking help to replenish low stocks.
Safety and Security Coordinator at the SCC-Beatrice Campus, Mark Meints says the pantry helps fill a food gap when some of the college’s roughly 900 full-time students can’t go home over a break, or the campus cafeteria may not be open.


"We used to take our students down to the food pantry in town, here in Beatrice. Doing this made it a lot easier for them, more convenience for them. We have international students who don't have vehicles and don't always have transportation. We have a cafeteria here, of course that serves seven days a week, unless the school's closed.....so there are times when students need some food to get them through the weekend, or holidays."


Milford and Lincoln Campuses of the college have similar pantries. The pantry at Beatrice occupies a small room in the Kennedy center. Needs include items such as microwavable cups of food, cereal and fruit cups, granola or cereal bars, canned chicken and tuna, pudding and jello, juices or packaged drink mixes.


"Some of them have jobs so they have to get up and go before the cafeteria is open...so cereals and that type of thing, pop-tarts and granola bars are always good for them, too. Some of the students, if they have a trip for sports...our sports students...their schedule with classes and practice, they can't get over to the cafeteria. We have apartment-style dorms that have a full kitchen and a stove or oven...and then our Homestead Hall, a small microwave, refrigerator and sink. A lot of microwaveable stuff goes over well for them, too."


Making sure students have enough to eat is seen as important to aiding the learning environment and doing well in class.


Meints says about 75% of the items donated come from faculty and staff, but outside entities such as churches or charitable groups have donated frequently. Some students leaving at the end of the year also donate food items they have left over.


"I really proud of our faculty and staff that really help us out. This morning I got to my office and there was five bags of groceries, to bring in. That really helped out, a lot. It looks like we have quite a bit now, but it goes really fast."


There are several hundred students living on campus, but Meints says the pantry is also available to those who live off-campus.

If you can donate, contact Mark Meints or Renae Reis, at the SCC-Beatrice Campus.